19th century Quote by Robert Longo
“One of the interesting things I discovered is that in the late 19th century, painters actually had black-and-white copies made of their own paintings. They chose it even over photographs because they knew the photographic medium would distort their work.”
About This Quote
Artists preferred black‑and‑white reproductions to preserve tonal fidelity, fearing photographs would alter their work's contrast and mood.
In simple terms: Artists used B&W copies to keep true tones, avoiding photographic distortion.
Key Takeaway
Use the medium that best preserves your artistic intent.
Themes
art
preservation
technology
authenticity
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
historical
artistic
When to use this quote
- gallery displays
- art education
- museum catalogues
- digital archiving
Key Concepts
visual fidelity
medium choice
artist intent
Questions to Reflect On
- How does medium choice affect perception of art?
- When is fidelity more important than convenience?
A Different Perspective
Photographs can capture color but may misrepresent texture and depth.
![“. . . Luddites were those frenzied traditionalists of the early 19th century who toured [England] wrecking new weaving machines on the theory that if they were destroyed . . . old jobs and old ways of life could be preserved . . . At certain times in his life each man is tempted to become a…” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/182/james-a-michener-1627_19th-century_luddites-were-those-frenzied-traditional_76909.jpg)
