Can I use images from old books? Copyright question

  • Unknown's avatar
    robgorrell · Member ·

    Hi gang. I love the drawings in old 19th and early 20th century textbooks. Sometimes they inspire projects and I would like to scan a portion or all of the drawing to show the inspiration. I am sure that the people who did the work are long dead. How long does a copyright last in a case like that? Can I post the image if I reference where it came from?

    Also, what about images of old maps or things like Da Vinci drawings that appear all over the place. Are they in public domain or are they owned by a particular copyright?

    I am reading up on this now but thought someone might have some quick advise.

    Thanks!

    Rob

    The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)

  • Unknown's avatar
    timethief · Member ·

    Please see here > US Copyright Office – Fair Use >
    http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html

  • Unknown's avatar
    robgorrell · Member ·

    Thanks for the update. I found my way to a ton of stuff online that is in the public domain. I wonder if these small drawings and etchings would fall under the fair use guidelines referenced above. There is no commercial impact involved.

    I also bookmarked the list of online royalty free and image sites you listed in another forum.

    Rob

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