Is it legal to create and sell a caricature copy of a famous work of art like the mona lisa?

Question

Its more like a caricature but the idea is that one would recognize it as a take on the mona lisa. I would sign my own name and no way claim it (obviously) as the original. So isit still legal to sell a rendering, regardless of how bad it is?

Answer 1

Yes. It would be legal for you to paint an exact copy of the Mona Lisa, as long as you didn't try to say it was the real thing....and no one would be that stupid, anyway. People have been referencing/making parodies of famous works of art for as long as there's been famous works of art. Go for it!

Answer 2

I believe (not for certain though) that the Mona Lisa is in the public domain. That painting was done in the 1500's, so the copyright has expired.



COPYRIGHT

Copyright applies to all visual arts - drawings, paintings, digital art, photographs, etc.



According to the copyright laws, the official copyright owner has the exclusive right to do and to authorize the following:

1. Reproduce or make copies of the artwork

2. Prepare derivative works based upon the original artwork

3. Distribute the artwork to the public by sale, rental, lease, lending, or transfer ownership

4. Display the artwork publicly



If you did not create the original artwork, you are not the official copyright owner. If you are simply copying the artwork for your personal enjoyment and only showing it to family and friends that is ok, BUT if you are reproducing the artwork in numerous quantities, creating derivative works, selling the artwork for money, or letting the public view the artwork (such as posting the artwork on the internet, etc....) that is copyright infringement and the copyright owner has the right to take legal action against you. Check out the copyright office official website for more information! Google search the words "U.S. Copyright Office" to find the website.



Another point to consider is, will your artwork really be a copyright infringement???? It is ok to use other people's ideas/creations for inspiration in order to create your own original artwork. But remember, your artwork can't be a derivative, in other words, will people be able to tell that is "such and such" artwork you copied? Will your artwork be similiar to the original artwork? If so, then it would still be a copyright infringement.



If the artwork is in the "public domain" you can recreate it without penalties. How artwork becomes in the "public domain":

1. The artist forfeited their intellectual property rights and is allowing anyone to use their artwork.

2. Intellectual Property rights have expired. Once the artist dies, tack on an additional 50 years or 70 years (could be less or more years, different countries have different rules, will need to find out what country the artwork was copyrighted in). After 50 years or 70 years have passed, the artwork can be used by anyone. CAUTION: After the artist dies, their estate or heirs might take over property rights which would prevent anyone from using their artwork even though 50 years or 70 years have passed.

Answer 3

No why could I. i've got already considered it in photos no desire for me to touch it. And that's in comparison to i might desire to easily thieve the mona lisa and sell it, i would not even get one billion for it interior the black industry.

Answer 4

I don't see a problem at all . You aren't trying to rip anyone off with a caricature. And your Signature.

Answer 5

yes, just ask marcel duchamp