Alan Edward Klein
Member
Doesn't capture the essence or doesn't diminish it? And why do you think so? IMO, a photo of a painting can never reproduce seeing it in person. However, any art or photo cannot be fully appreciated in bad viewing conditions--poor lighting, glare or crowds surrounding it, plus the ability to step back or get reasonably close.
Speaking of bad viewing conditions, here's my photo of the Mona Lisa taken from the end of the line at the Louvre. My wife and I gave up, left the line before getting any closer, and got something to eat.