Mimesis as an epistemological model originated in ancient Greece when artists imitated their masters and followed pre-established models. Humanism, in turn, rescues this model and improves it: just as Vergil imitated Homer, Dante imitated Vergil; if Petrarch sought in the classics the source of inspiration for his poetry, Camões, in turn, makes the sonnets from the Italian as his model, to mention a few examples. However, such a procedure did not represent plagiarism, as it was a way to honor the masters. This model reached its peak in the 17 th century, declining in the following centuries, especially in the 19 th century. However, with its rupture, the representation models permeated Western culture for centuries were lost, leading subjectivity to assume the preponderant role in art. More than a change in the perception of art, there was a change in the world's perception that surrounds humanity, whose significant influence was due to photography.