Homework 5
Walter Benjamin's ideas are interesting to be sure and his ideas in many areas ring true. This idea of an aura is definitely seen in pieces like the Mona Lisa, Michaelangelo's David, and the Last Supper. Masses of people come to see these works because of the prestige of the work and not necessarily the work itself. Benjamin's idea that mechanical reproduction diminishes this Aura is flawed. Mechanical reproductions of the Mona Lisa have only increased its Aura or prominence. In digital media however, the original is never what is seen and in that case Benjamin's ideals align.