Seeking Authenticity

Which reproduction of Rembrandt’s Old Man with a Golden Chain comes closest to capturing the real painting? Have the three centuries since it sat on Rembrandt’s easel altered the tones of the oils so that the original no longer exists? Will I ever be able to know the authentic work of art?

The essays in this collection were first published at various points over a decade or more. Each was written separately with an individual focus. But when I gathered them and reread, I discovered they were united by a common theme and that, unaware, I’ve been addressing variations of the question of authenticity.

What is the authentic way of seeing a painting, listening to music, getting a college education, grieving, working, recognizing animal rights, and more? These essays consider the possibilities, without answering the questions. I hope that’s enough for them to be interesting.

Walter Cummins