This study aims at understanding the nature of the visual image through discussing the notion of 'simulacrum' within the philosophy of Plato, Baudrillard and Deleuze and trying to locate its importance within the representational system of models and copies. The notion of imitation and representation is found problematic in explaining the fascination within visual imagery and Deleuze’s term ‘becoming’ is suggested as more appropriate. It is discussed in this thesis how the simulacrum threatens and destabilizes model/copy relations of representation through its role in Deleuze’s ‘sensation.’