Replica

A replica is a copy of a work of art that is practically indistinguishable from the original in size, material and execution. Unlike an ordinary copy made by an outside hand, the classic replica is often created by the author of the original, or in the author's workshop under supervision, when the artist repeats a successful composition to the order of another client. Because of this the replica has a special status: it is an authentic work by the same master rather than a later imitation, although it is not the primary, "first" version of the conception. The practice of making replicas was widespread throughout the history of art: successful portraits, altarpieces or popular compositions were repeated to meet demand. In sculpture, authorised casts from the same mould are often called replicas. The term requires precision in art history, for it must be distinguished from the notions of "version" (a variant with differences), "copy" (executed by another hand) and "forgery" (deliberately passed off as an original to deceive). In museum and exhibition practice, replicas are also made for display in place of fragile or lost originals, thereby preserving public access to monuments.