cult value

is, (as contrasted with exhibition value) not for visibility but has ritualistic purposes, (e.g. Medieval churches with statues that people could not see from ground level).

Think of Walter Benjamin in 'Art in the Age of Mechanical reproduction' where he talks of cult value and exhibition value as two major poles on which art receives its value. He describes cult value as being not for visibility but having ritualistic purposes, (e.g. medieval churches with statues that people could not see from ground level), and exhibition value as purely to be seen. He notes the difference between the painting and the fresco. The painting is portable, the fresco is bound in its place. . . .

cult value, n.All

cult value