Finding historical prints and public-domain artwork
Where to look for high-quality open-access images, and how to check whether you may use them.
- Time
- 1–2 hours of browsing
- Level
- Beginner
You'll need
- Computer
- A notes file to record image source, ID and license
01Good places to look
Many museums and libraries now release digitized collections under open licenses. Policies differ and change, so always read the rights statement attached to the individual image.
- —Museum open-access programs: for example the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Rijksmuseum, the Smithsonian and the National Gallery of Art (Washington) publish many images marked public domain or CC0.
- —Library collections: the Library of Congress, the New York Public Library Digital Collections and the Biodiversity Heritage Library (botanical and natural-history plates).
- —Aggregators: Europeana and Wikimedia Commons gather material from many institutions; check each file's own license and source.
- —Search by subject plus type: "botanical plate", "wallpaper sample", "textile design", "engraving".
02Understanding the rights label
Regional noteCopyright terms differ by country, and a work being old does not guarantee it is free everywhere. This is general information, not legal advice; for commercial projects, check with the institution or a qualified adviser.
| Label | What it generally means |
|---|---|
| Public domain / CC0 | Free to use, including commercially, without permission; attribution appreciated |
| CC BY | Free to use with credit to the creator or source |
| CC BY-NC | Credit required; no commercial use |
| "Rights reserved" or no statement | Assume you may not reproduce it without permission |
TipRecord the source, title, image ID and license for every image you use. If you sell anything made with it, you will want that record.
General guidance for beginners. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for products you use, and ask a qualified professional where safety is a concern.