What is the difference between an original and a reproduction?

Answer by  Clement (1453)

In art the original is usually the object (painting, drawing) created by the artist him- or herself. Reproduction is a copy, often created by mechanical means, such as a copy machine.

Answer by  Phil97 (569)

An original is the product, whether it be a painting, book, or a car, made by the author, painter or company respectively. For example, the Mona Lisa which was painted by Leonardo Da Vinci is considered an original. When people copy the Mona Lisa, that is a reproduction because a reproduction is something not done by the original creator.