At the Royal Academy

Although pictures are, on the whole, reproduced in formats chosen to suit layouts, there are exceptions aimed at protecting the status of the image. Some are licensed for reproduction only if uncropped or without lettering superimposed. In serious monographs the general rule is that drawings should be reproduced the same size as the originals, or, if necessary, smaller. While there is no particular aesthetic virtue in reproducing photographic prints same size (drawings are a different matter), to do so suggests that they, too, can be considered unique works of art, not mechanical products.