Is there any Copyright protection on da Vinci's Mona Lisa?

Answer 1

No. The copyright laws were not invented at that time. Which is why everyone prints The Mona Lisa on Birthday cards, postcards and sings songs about it. The song "Mona Lisa by Tony Bennett" has a copyright on it. Because Bennett wrote and performed it and made it famous. However, just because the underlying work is "old" and not copyrighted does not mean you can take anyone else's copy and use it! Each "new" copy of the Mona Lisa painting could have "creative" differences that merit separate protection. For example, you can't copyright the Grand Canyon, but everyone who takes a picture of it owns the copyright of that picture.

Answer 2

It's not entirely clear what "the Louvre book gallery" means, so bear with us, the answer gets a little complicated.

There is no copyright on the Mona Lisa itself. Copyright did not exist at the time it was painted, and even if it had the copyright would have long since expired.

The Louvre controls access to the painting, and generally does not allow photographs to be taken, but this is not based on copyright but rather on their right to allow or forbid certain activities (Photography) on their property. At least nominally it's from a desire to preserve the painting itself (flash photography might damage it) and the viewing experience (the act of photographing the picture is distracting to other viewers; even without a flash getting a decent picture takes time, equipment, and keeping other people out of the way while you get set up).

Such (good) images as exist are those specifically allowed by the Louvre. These images are subject to copyright. Technically it's the photo itself that's copyrighted, not the painting, but the net result is that you can't use the image without permission. The Louvre licenses out the image of the Mona Lisa for commercial purposes for a fee, and you can request permission to use it for educational or journalistic purposes (either free or for a significantly lower fee).

Answer 3

Because when she was painted, copyrights were not invented yet.

Answer 4

No. The original painting is in the public domain. However individual interpretations (photographs, paintings, etc) of the Mona Lisa can be protected as copyrighted works.

Answer 5

The works of Leonardo da vinci are long past any copyright protection. Typically it is the life of the author and 75 years. Da Vinci has been gone for centuries!

Answer 6

No; they are in the public domain.