Usually, the online gallery is run as a business, with the purpose of displaying the artwork being to promote it to potential buyers.
Other variations include: Viewing art online is an improving experience.
[citation needed] Ideally, art should appear exactly as it would if seen in the real world, but there are factors that limit the extent to which this is possible.
Also in some cases the size of the work can be better appreciated by showing it alongside an image of a person of average height.
If the potential buyer has access to a wide range of art that they can view in the comfort and safety of their own home they will tend to look a bit deeper and get to know what and who they like.