Ye Olde Inn

by **Stig** » April 11th, 2017, 2:51 pm

Here's a link to a website full of old book illustrations, that look and feel perfect for HQ! I've put "monster" into the search box, and there's a bit of a treasure trove. My fav artwork is that by Gustav Dore - lots of magic and Demons etc.

https://www.oldbookillustrations.com/?s ... lustration

Stig wrote:Here's a link to a website full of old book illustrations, that look and feel perfect for HQ! I've put "monster" into the search box, and there's a bit of a treasure trove. My fav artwork is that by Gustav Dore - lots of magic and Demons etc.

https://www.oldbookillustrations.com/?s ... lustration

As it's old enough (usually life of the artist + X years depending on country), it's likely all in the public domain. (according to my IP-lawyer wife)

Typically it is 70 years after the death of the artist. Except for the Disney exception and other art that is capitalized on specifically by a large company.
I know this from my research into using old and ancient art for my RPG. Some dead artist that made a bad ass painting in the 17th century isn't going to sue you. All that old art is pretty much in the public domain.

by **knightkrawler** » April 12th, 2017, 1:52 am

Nice find there.
Will have to spend some time on that site.

EDIT:
And after 4 seconds I found this:
https://www.oldbookillustrations.com/terms-of-use/

by **Stig** » April 12th, 2017, 6:21 am

The terms don't provide any express prohibition, but equally they don't provide a carte blanche to do everything. They basically state that it all comes down to copyright:

"We do not try to limit the use of the Illustrations available on OBI, but we cannot guarantee these Illustrations are noninfringing, or legally accessible in your jurisdiction and your use of them is solely at your own risk. Although we do our best to offer only Illustrations that are considered public domain in most countries, copyright laws vary from one jurisdiction to another, and you agree that you are solely responsible for abiding by all laws and regulations that may be applicable to using the Illustrations"

by **knightkrawler** » April 12th, 2017, 7:45 am

Of course they would do that. You can't give carte blanche, otherwise you're gonna be held responsible.
One can interpret the terms of use such that the site's good people are not aware of the pictures presented being not public domain.
Anything else is plain legal suicide when the first idiot comes along blaming the site for offering.