Final answer:
The most perfect reproduction of artwork lacks originality, as it cannot capture the full essence of the original piece's context, intent, or the unique touch of the original artist.
Step-by-step explanation:
Considering the references and philosophical views on art and reproduction, the answer to the student's question would be that even the most perfect reproduction of artwork a) Lacks originality. This is because even though a reproduction might capture the visual semblance of the original piece, it does not embody the original context, intent, or the unique touch of the artist that created it. The essence of artwork lies not just in its physical manifestation but also in its conceptual and historical context, which a reproduction cannot capture in its entirety.
The philosophical underpinnings posed by Plato highlight the idea of art as a representation of a higher form. In this sense, a reproduction, while visually similar, may miss the conceptual depth of the original. Similarly, the discussion about 'artifacts' in art, the idea of a 'finished' look, and the unintentional byproducts of digital limitations or the decision to leave a work deliberately unfinished, emphasize that there is a distinction between original creations and mere replicas.
Thus, a reproduction, no matter how accurate, is inherently different from the original, missing the unique qualities and imperfections—which some might argue are not flaws but rather intrinsic elements of an artwork's identity.