License to Use
We are dedicated to providing free access to a vast collection of Catholic paintings and sacred art, all of which are in the public domain. Here, we explain how you can use these artworks and the legal framework that allows us to offer them to you without charge.

What Does Public Domain Mean?
Artworks enter the public domain under various conditions, typically related to the lifespan of the creator and a certain number of years posthumously, which can vary by country. In general, works become public domain when copyright protections expire, making them freely available for public use without any copyright restrictions. This includes reproduction, distribution, and the creation of derivative works. For a detailed understanding of copyright duration by country, please refer to Wikipedia’s list of copyright durations by country.

Why Are These Artworks Free?
The artworks available on Ars Sancta are in the public domain because they have surpassed the copyright term specified by their respective countries’ laws. This typically means the artist has been deceased for over 70 years, although this duration can vary. Since these artworks no longer have copyright restrictions, they can be freely distributed, modified, and utilized for both personal and commercial purposes without needing permission or incurring any licensing fees.

How You Can Use These Artworks
As these paintings are in the public domain, you are free to:

• Download and Share: You can download, share, and distribute these artworks.
• Create Derivative Works: You are allowed to modify and create new works based on these images.
• Use Commercially: You can use these images for commercial purposes without any restrictions or fees.

Our Commitment

At Ars Sancta, we are committed to enriching the public’s access to sacred art. By providing these artworks for free, we support educators, artists, scholars, and the general public in exploring and creating new works that celebrate and disseminate our rich Catholic heritage.

We rely on the generosity of donors to maintain and expand this collection. If you find value in our offerings, please consider supporting us.

Disclaimer
While we strive to ensure all information on artwork copyrights is accurate, we recommend you perform your own due diligence or consult a legal expert if you plan to use images for significant commercial projects or other high-stakes purposes.

Thank you for visiting Ars Sancta. Explore our collection and help us preserve and share the beauty of Catholic art with the world.