topic Re: Public domain images as prints in Ask a Question

Public domain images as prints

andyodell — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 16:49:18 GMT

I think I have seen this on Zazzle. Is there anything against the rules to sell vintage images that are in the public domain as prints, framed/posters etc. Nothing else added to them, apart from maybe just enhanced for print.

Thanks

Re: Public domain images as prints

idraw — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:03:33 GMT

@andyodell

Hi Andy, here’s an answer that might help—-

https://photocopyrightlaw.com/is-profiting-from-public-domain-images-allowed/
This paragraph specifically stands out in the article—-
While profiting from public domain images is permitted, individuals or companies should not falsely claim that they own the copyright in a public domain image. Once a work is released into the public domain, it has no copyright. Unfortunately, these false claims, known as copyfraud, have proliferated.
Some other useful links on the site also.

Re: Public domain images as prints

andyodell — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:05:30 GMT

Thanks. I just wondered if Zazzle only allows it if some creative element is added. I think I heard this on other POD sites.

Re: Public domain images as prints

idraw — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 17:46:51 GMT

I have seen various vintage art without enhancement posted over the years on products, both here and on other POD sites. I just checked zazzle’s user terms,nothing specific stands out about reuse of vintage art. It more or less concentrated on making sure that the person posting is the copyright owner. Unfortunately what is shown on the internet as public domain is not always public domain. Because there is such a gray area between what is public domain and what might still be protected by the heirs of image copyrighted, it could be a very expensive and risky mistake if someone rightfully decides to sue…and wins. So in a way, Zazzle’s cautioned take down notices, while first protecting themselves,kinda sorta possibly protect you in advance of that happening to you.

Re: Public domain images as prints

Windy — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 18:06:01 GMT

I do not know the Zazzle rules on this, however, I can say, that I very often find multiple designers have created exactly the same postcard from a vintage artwork. I see this often, as I scan everyday to find postcards for my postcards of the world board at Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/ArmchairTravelers/postcards-of-the-world

Re: Public domain images as prints

Barbara — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 21:27:58 GMT

What you've seen on other POD's is likely the rule used when you use free images from sites like Pixabay where you have to alter, add to, or otherwise distinguish it from the original. Vintage images in the public domain can be used freely, though you should always check to make sure there isn't a family or legitimate organization that maintains copyright. I have two rules of thumb: (1) It has to be at least a hundred years old and (2) it has to come from a place such as a museum or other such legitimate collection that actually tells you whether or not it's in the public domain. Try a place like The Smithsonian. You'll have a ball there.

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Re: Public domain images as prints

jennifer22 — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 05:32:21 GMT

Yes, one of my stores is dedicated to vintage works (VintageSketch). Other than for a few early posts, I've cleaned up all to repair age damage and to enhance for print. I am very careful to source from legitimate sources (e.g., museums) and that the works are in the public domain due to age.

For example, I worked on this one today:

Before -- https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e2-8ce5-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

After -- https://www.zazzle.com/vintage_1906_new_york_city_subway_station_jigsaw_puzzle-116889359044868824

ETA: technically it's also OK to sell as-is, but I enjoy cleaning up old works, and this allows my products to be more unique than the generic cut-and-paste type

Re: Public domain images as prints

Windy — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 06:08:09 GMT

Nicely done!

Re: Public domain images as prints

Barbara — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:27:27 GMT

@jennifer22 You've done a good job!

I do precisely the same thing, trying to restore the images as much as possible. There was a wonderful BBC show called "Fake or Fortune" where they'd periodically restore a painting, after which the true colors and thus beauty of a it showed through. All the dirt and grime certainly wasn't what the artists had painted, but we have it even worse because the images are being reproduced digitally, which adds a further layer of both bad color and digital dirt. The artists deserve better than that.

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Re: Public domain images as prints

andyodell — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:52:00 GMT

Have you also seen Secrets of the Museum? It's following the daily work at the V&A - some of the restoration work to paintings especially is so well done, but also scary to watch.

Re: Public domain images as prints

Barbara — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 17:01:26 GMT

Is it on YouTube? If so, I can say without first looking that I'll subscribe. Thanks for the info!

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Re: Public domain images as prints

PlayfulPixel — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 20:14:29 GMT

Fabulous programme. Such passion and artistry.
But why scary?

Re: Public domain images as prints

Barbara — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 20:52:57 GMT

I went from here directly to my TV (Roku variety) and searched for "Secrets of the Museum," but what I found seemed to not be any sort of official channel. Rather, it was extremely short bits and pieces with a great deal of talk rather than deep information. If anyone knows how I might find the actual shows, I'd be totally grateful. I've run out of "Fake or Fortune" and am finishing up watching Phillip Mould, the art dealer who was involved in the show. I'm about to go into withdrawal.

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Re: Public domain images as prints

PlayfulPixel — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 21:52:00 GMT

Barbara - it's a British show currently on BBC - there are 3 series.
I don't know where you might be able to view this - probably not on Youtube...

Re: Public domain images as prints

Barbara — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 22:14:54 GMT

Well, phooey. As far as I can tell, all the really good history, archaeology, and art programs are done in Britain. American TV is mostly garbage and to the point where we've gotten rid of cable TV. Anyway, if it's a current show, this explains why I was seeing what are likely promos for the show. I'll have to be patient because, eventually, the BBC shows end up on YouTube like "Fake or Fortune," which I'm fairly sure was a BBC production.

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Re: Public domain images as prints

andyodell — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 22:40:54 GMT

Sorry for the delay in replying to this. It was on BBC, you can watch it on iPlayer if you have access to that, but only the 3rd series is on there at the moment.

Re: Public domain images as prints

andyodell — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 22:41:57 GMT

I seem to have accepted a reply as a solution by mistake sorry. Hope the thread stays open.

Re: Public domain images as prints

andyodell — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 22:43:38 GMT

Ha maybe scary is the wrong word. I remember they did something to a piece of art having to submerge it in some liquid... just hoping that it was the right thing to do. I would just be scared having that on me.

Re: Public domain images as prints

andyodell — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 22:54:22 GMT

I found S01E01 on dailymotion - hope its ok to post the link here - https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7rmcn6 - only one episode sorry but can see what it is like at least.

Re: Public domain images as prints

Barbara — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 23:50:35 GMT

Thanks, @andyodell , but it's too bad the first episode isn't about painting, which has been my passion since forever. As for Apple gizmos, I despise them. Don't ask me why, I just do. I bet, though, if I search amongst the many channels on my Roku TV, I'll find more of what I seek. I'll just imagine it, and it'll come into being. Isn't that how life works?

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