Art and Modern Copyright: The Contested Image

This book explores the history of copyright in protecting the visual arts, revealing long-forgotten narratives and examining the value of copyright history to lawyers and policy-makers. It considers the distinct nature of copyright's contribution to the cultural domain and its destabilizing influence on copyright debates.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 317 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive and longitudinal exploration delves into the rich history of copyright protection in the visual arts, spanning the mid-nineteenth to early twentieth centuries. By examining legal developments during this pivotal period, the book sheds light on four key themes: the safeguarding of copyright for authors (painters, photographers, and engravers), art collectors, sitters, and the public interest. Through its meticulous research, it uncovers a wealth of forgotten narratives and perspectives on copyright, challenging prevailing notions and offering a fresh understanding of the evolution of copyright law. Moreover, this book goes beyond the realm of art history and sociology, examining the profound impact of copyright on the cultural domain. It explores the value of copyright history to lawyers and policy-makers, highlighting its ability to destabilize our thinking and sharpen our critical lens when engaging with contemporary copyright debates. By delving into the past, this book provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between creativity, intellectual property, and societal values, contributing to a more informed and nuanced understanding of copyright in the modern world.

Introduction:
The history of copyright protection in the visual arts is a fascinating and complex tapestry, spanning centuries and evolving in response to changing societal needs and technological advancements. This book aims to provide a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of this history, focusing on the mid-nineteenth to early twentieth centuries, a period marked by significant legal developments and transformative changes in the artistic landscape.

Legal Developments during the Mid-Nineteenth to Early Twentieth Centuries:
During this period, copyright law underwent a significant transformation, driven by the growing importance of intellectual property and the recognition of the rights of artists and creators. Key legal developments include the establishment of copyright societies, the enactment of copyright laws, and the development of international copyright agreements. These measures aimed to protect the rights of authors and artists, ensuring that they could reap the rewards of their creative endeavors.

Protection of Copyright for Authors:
One of the primary concerns of copyright law during this period was the protection of copyright for authors. Painters, photographers, and engravers, among others, sought to safeguard their intellectual property and ensure that their works could be reproduced and distributed without unauthorized copying or infringement. Copyright societies were established to promote the interests of authors and provide them with legal support and protection.

Art Collectors and the Public Interest:
Art collectors also played a significant role in shaping copyright law during this period. They sought to acquire valuable works of art and preserve them for future generations, often at the expense of the artists who created them. Copyright law was developed to balance the interests of collectors and artists, ensuring that artists could receive fair compensation for their work while also allowing collectors to enjoy the fruits of their acquisitions.

Sitters and Copyright:
Sitters, who posed for artists to create their works, also emerged as a concern in copyright law. Sitters often had little control over the use and distribution of their images, and copyright law was developed to protect their rights and ensure that they could receive fair compensation for their work.

Conclusion:
The history of copyright protection in the visual arts is a testament to the evolving nature of intellectual property and the recognition of the rights of artists and creators. Through its comprehensive exploration of legal developments during the mid-nineteenth to early twentieth centuries, this book sheds light on the forgotten narratives and perspectives of copyright history, challenging our understanding of copyright today. By examining the distinct nature of the contribution of copyright to the history of the cultural domain, as well as its value to lawyers and policy-makers, this book provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between creativity, intellectual property, and societal values. As we navigate the rapidly changing digital landscape, it is essential to understand the historical roots of copyright law and its impact on the artistic community.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316631430