Analysis of Meta Image Not to Be Reproduced Essay Example

the man’s back in the mirror instead of an alternate perspective implies that many times, deeply sought after message that we assume lies behind the image is merely the image itself and nothing greater. In simplest terms; what you see is what you get, no more or less. Besides the improper reflection of the man, another prominent aspect of Not to be Reproduced is the book on the mantle next the man.

Ironically, the book is correctly reflected in the mirror despite being adjacent to an abnormal reflection. In the simplest depictions, books represent knowledge, education, and unspoiled enlightenment. Here, Magritte juxtaposes that representation with an opposing, uncertain image that is completely susceptible to variances in the human perception. Such a contrast amplifies the qualities of both the book, which portrays conventional mediation and the man, which illustrates a more modern style of mediation. In this case, old-fashioned methods of mediation are presented as dependable and unyielding.

Absolute knowledge is impervious to the manipulation of perception the unlike images. This concept is exemplified by the normal reflection of the book in the mirror despite the peculiar reflection of man. An additional aspect of the contrast between customary and contemporary modes of mediation presented in this piece is the implied prominence of each. Although the book is shown as the reliable form of mediation, it is obviously less prominent in this context. One major indicator of this is the noticeable shadow cast over the book from the man standing next to it. Typically, shadows represent evils or the unknown.

Because of the shadow that absorbs nearly half of the book, any potential detail

of meaning to be derived from the presence of the book in the painting is made more mysterious, and thus lessened in comparison to the man. The shadow transforms the book from a potentially equal factor in the work to a less outstanding object. Likewise, the contrast between old and new mediation is alluded to by the size of each representing factor in the work. The man in the mirror towers over the book to the right of him and more often than not, greater size signifies greater importance.

So, despite the consistency and invulnerability that the book represents, the opposite is allotted greater value. In short, Magritte’s Not to be Reproduced conflicts with the typical practices of examining artwork. He mocks the seemingly incessant search for a “deeper meaning” in art by creating a concealed message that is identical to the one clearly shown and draws a striking contrast between traditional and contemporary forms of mediation. Overall, any examination of this work will lead to an examination of the way we perceive images and the messages they have to offer.