Works by Matisse, Kahlo, and Capa Enter the Public Domain

January 1, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the world of creativity and intellectual property. This date, celebrated as “Public Domain Day,” brings with it a trove of previously protected works now freely available for public use. Among the most notable additions to the public domain this year are masterpieces by Henri Matisse, Frida Kahlo, and Robert Capa, as well as literary classics, iconic pop culture characters, and musical compositions. This transition is governed by copyright laws that determine how long creators retain exclusive rights to their works.

Visual Arts Entering the Public Domain

Henri Matisse, Frida Kahlo, and Robert Capa, three monumental figures in art and photography, have works that are now publicly accessible.

While this development opens up opportunities for adaptations and reinterpretations, art enthusiasts and businesses must tread carefully. Variations in publication dates and regional copyright laws often necessitate detailed research to confirm the works’ public domain status.

Literary Classics Now Public

The literary world sees monumental works from authors such as Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner entering the public domain. Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms and Faulkner’s The Sound and the Fury shed their U.S. copyright protections, along with Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own.

Films and Music

Hitchcock’s Blackmail and DeMille’s Dynamite highlight the cinematic treasures entering the public domain. In music, George Gershwin’s 1929 recording of Rhapsody in Blue and contributions to Singin’ in the Rain now inspire new performances and remixes.

Pop Culture Icons

The beloved characters of Tintin and Popeye, first published in 1929, enter the public domain this year. Their cultural impact allows for fresh interpretations across various media platforms, including animation and merchandise.

Public domain transitions are not uniform worldwide. The U.S. follows a “life plus 70 years” or a 95-year publication rule, while other regions like Asia and parts of the European Union may adhere to shorter or longer terms. Legal guidance is recommended for commercial applications to ensure compliance with varying copyright rules.