When we use the word aura in our everyday lives we almost always
refer to that field of light that emanates from a person or object. The
meaning of the radiation and the explanation for it are complicated things that
parapsychology deals with. To understand Benjamin’s use of the word we need a
more general and metaphorical definition like “The distinctive atmosphere or
quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person, thing, or place”₁.

Benjamin argues that art pieces have an aura that is
essentially based in their history and everything that led them from their
origin to their present. He then makes an emphasis on the importance of the
authenticity of the art piece and the unique aura that the original piece has.  The original piece is the only one that
actually went through a long process of thinking and creation. It’s the only
one that was produced form the hand of the author and therefore it represents
him/her. This process and the biography of the creator, which are the two
things that made the artwork possible, are only strongly represented it its
aura if it’s the one and only original piece.