INTERVIEW

Interviewer: Good morning, Elena. Could you tell us a bit about your career and how you became a master in reproducing and creating art reproductions of famous paintings?

Elena Zene: Good morning, and thank you for having me. My passion for art started when I was just a child. I remember spending hours drawing and copying the works of great masters that I saw in art books. I studied painting at the Art Institute of Florence, and after earning a degree in Design, I decided to specialize in art reproduction. It’s a fascinating field that allows me to combine my love for art with a continuous technical challenge.

Interviewer: What led you to become specifically interested in reproducing famous paintings and creating art reproductions?

Elena Zene: My interest developed during my studies when I realized how complex and intriguing the art of copying truly is. Reproducing a work of art requires not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of the style, technique, and emotions the original artist wanted to convey. I started with reproductions for private art enthusiasts, and over time, I refined my technique to also specialize in creating art reproductions, which is an even more delicate and sophisticated field.

Interviewer: What is the main difference between a reproduction of a famous painting and a forgery?

Elena Zene: A reproduction is a faithful copy of an existing work, created with the intent to replicate the original for decorative or educational purposes. A forgery, on the other hand, is a work that is created with the intention of imitating not just the style but also the appearance of being an original by the artist, often with the goal of deceiving observers. In my case, the art reproductions I create are always commissioned transparently, for study purposes or as a homage to a work, never to deceive.

Interviewer: Tell us about the process of creating one of your reproductions. What are the main steps?

Elena Zene: The process always begins with an in-depth analysis of the original work. I study the materials, technique, and historical context in which it was created. Then I prepare the support, choosing the canvas and pigments that most closely match the originals. The painting phase requires extreme precision, not only to reproduce the details but also to capture the atmosphere and energy of the work. Finally, I often use aging techniques to give the painting the appearance of an old masterpiece.

Interviewer: What are the main challenges you face when creating a forgery?

Elena Zene: The main challenge is striking a balance between fidelity to the original and personal creativity. While in a reproduction I must be as faithful as possible, in a forgery I also need to be able to “get into the mind” of the original artist, imagining how they might have painted that specific scene or subject. Another challenge is adhering to laws and ethics: my art reproductions must never be sold as originals.

Interviewer: Have you ever received any particular request or commission that stood out to you?

Elena Zene: Yes, one of the most interesting requests I received was to create a series of paintings in the Caravaggesque style for a private collector. He wanted a collection that seemed to have come directly from the Baroque period. It was an intense and stimulating project that allowed me to further deepen my understanding of Caravaggio’s technique, with its strong contrasts of light and shadow.

Interviewer: How do you see the future of your profession in a world where technology is advancing so rapidly?

Elena Zene: Technology will certainly change some aspects of our profession, for example, with the use of digital tools for design or for analyzing works. However, I believe that manual skill, artistic sensitivity, and deep knowledge of traditional techniques will continue to be indispensable. There is an enduring charm in handmade art that no technology can ever completely replace.

Interviewer: Finally, what advice would you give to a young artist interested in following your path?

Elena Zene: The most important advice is to study and practice as much as possible. Knowing art history, painting techniques, and materials is essential. Additionally, it’s important to be patient and not fear making mistakes, because it’s from errors that we learn the most. And above all, keep your passion and curiosity alive: these are the true sources of inspiration.

Interviewer: Thank you very much, Elena. It was a pleasure talking to you and learning more about the fascinating world of art reproduction and art reproductions.

Elena Zene: Thank you, it was a pleasure to share my experience!