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Copyright is the foundation of image licensing and determines who controls the use of creative works.
The period of time in which copyright persists depends on factors such as geographical location, subject matter and reproduction permissions.
This guide explains the key concepts around copyright duration, digital reproductions, museum-held images, and the distinction between ownership and permission.
How Long Does Copyright Last for Artwork or Photos?
Copyright law is geographically dependent so different countries will require different conditions to be met.
In most countries, including the UK and across the EU, copyright protection generally lasts for the creator’s lifetime plus 70 years. This standard applies to both visual artworks (such as paintings, drawings, and sculptures) and photographs. Once that period ends, the work typically enters the public domain, where it can be freely used without additional permission from the creator.
However, there are nuances:
- For works by multiple authors, the 70-year period begins after the last surviving creator’s death
- For anonymous or corporate works, copyright may expire a set number of years after publication.
- Some jurisdictions offer different terms for photographs, especially those created before modern copyright laws.
Outside the EU/UK this period could be longer or shorter. For example:
- In the US, copyright can extend up to 95 years after the creator's death
- In China, copyright applies up to 50 years after the creator's death
→ As a global company, Bridgeman Images' experts can help you ensure your compliance with local legislation across jurisdictions.
Is Digital Reproduction of a Painting Copyrighted?
While a historic painting itself may be out of copyright and in the public domain, digital reproductions of that work (such as high-resolution scans or professional photographs) can still be protected by copyright or related rights in many jurisdictions.
This protection may apply particularly when:
- The reproduction involved photographic skill, lighting expertise, or post-production work
- The photograph was created as part of a digitisation project or archive
- National laws grant protection even of public domain works
As a result, the institution or photographer responsible for the reproduction may claim rights over the image file itself. In such cases, any commercial use may require a licence, not for the original artwork, but for the photographic or digital representation of it. It's one of the most common points of confusion in image licensing, and is important to clarify in the early stages of a project.
Who Owns the Copyright to a Museum Image?
If an image is sourced from a museum, this then does not mean that the museum automatically owns the copyright. Generally, it’s important to consider who took or created the image in each specific case:
- If a museum staff member or contracted photographer took the photo for the museum, the museum likely owns the copyright.
- If the image was taken by an external photographer or contributor, they may still hold the copyright, unless it was signed over by agreement.
This means you may still need permission to use the image, especially for publishing or commercial use.
In many cases, museums work with licensing agencies (like Bridgeman Images) to manage and distribute these image rights.
→ To find images sourced from museums across the world, see our partner library.
What Is the Difference Between Copyright and Licensing?
These two terms are closely linked but fundamentally different:
- Copyright is the legal right automatically held by the creator of a work. It governs reproduction, distribution, adaptation, and more.
- Licensing is the act of granting someone else the right to use a work under specific conditions and without transferring ownership.
In acquiring the licence for an image, you’re not buying the copyright but being given permission to use it in an agreed way (e.g. for editorial publication, advertising, or digital use).
Using Copyrighted and Public Domain Works Responsibly
Knowing when copyright expires, who holds reproduction rights, and what licences allow ensures that image use respects both legal boundaries and creative legacies.
At Bridgeman Images, we help clients navigate this landscape every day, offering expert support, secure licensing, and access to only the highest-quality visual content.
