Lots of art students do this in order to understand better how an artist painted. Copying old masters was and continues to be considered by some to be a traditional form of training for an artist wishing to paint in the manner of the Old Masters.
Of course, every art museum and gallery is also home to a number of copies of paintings by old masters and otherwise famous and or well reputed painters. Whether they know they are copies is another matter!
But who knew though that Sotheby's holds online auctions of copies of old Master Paintings!
 |
| samples of the sort of copies of old master paintings to be sold at the upcoming auction in the autumn |
Its website states about Old Masters Copies Online (opening for bidding 5th - 13th September 2018 | 10:00 AM EDT)
We are delighted to announce that we are now accepting consignments for the second edition of the online-only Old Master Copies auction, which will be open for bidding this coming Autumn from 5 -13 September 2018. The sale will feature a vast range of paintings by accomplished followers and students of some of the greatest old master painters.Apparently Sotheby's held its first auction last year in October 2017 - and Old Master Copies Online: Imitation & Influence is said to have been very successful.
This is the 2017 slideshow - Respected Reproductions: Highlights from Old Master Copies Online - which features paintings included in that auction PLUS the sort of prices they were expected to fetch. I haven't been able to locate the actual results page for that auction - but the fact they're having a second auction in under a year suggests there is a market for this sort of artwork.
More about Old Master Copies
Personally speaking I have absolutely no problem with Old Master Copies - just so long as they are sold as copies and not as forgeries!
Buying copies can be an affordable option for budding collectors and a great way for seasoned collectors to expand their collections. (Invaluable)Should you be thinking you now have the perfect project for your summer holiday(!) - here's some more information about "Old Master Copies"
