Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Photo Archive?

The Photo Archive is an archive of physical photographs located at the Getty Library. It is a non-circulating collection available for on-site researchers. Approximately half of the collections are represented by descriptive, text-only records in an online database, and select collections are digitized and available for online access.

Researchers can use these photographs to conduct a wide range of studies, including on the history of collecting (provenance, art market, connoisseurship), iconography, conservation, historiography, and the history of reproductions. Many of the photographic mounts have annotations on them related to provenance and the art market.

Are any of the materials in the Photo Archive available online?

Yes, certain collections in the Photo Archive are digitized and available to view and download online. You can view the complete list of digitized collections in the Photo Archive.

You can also find nonpictorial descriptive records for approximately half of the archive’s holdings by searching the Photo Archive. This research database is a work in progress, mostly consisting of descriptive records. Images will be added to the database periodically. To view the associated images, register as a Reader and visit the Getty Library to conduct on-site research.

What type of research does the Photo Archive support?

The Photo Archive supports a wide variety of research related to the documentation of works of art over time and to changes in art historical scholarship and teaching. The extensive holdings also represent the history of photography itself, including processes, formats, studio and field practice, campaigns, photographers, commercial stock houses, and institutions. Of special importance are the photographic collections assembled by art historians.

Searchable by key word and artist name, the Photo Archive database is also particularly useful for researchers conducting iconographic or thematic studies, as searches can be conducted across periods, styles, and media.

I have additional questions. How can I get in touch?

Reach out to the team at the Getty Research Institute via the Getty Library contact form.

How can I order publication-quality digital reproductions of photographs in the Photo Archive?

Visit the Reproductions & Permissions page to learn more about how to order digital reproductions of photographs in the Photo Archive.

Please allow at least 12 weeks for all requests.

How can I obtain permission to reproduce photographs from the Photo Archive?

Visit the Reproductions & Permissions page to learn more about obtaining permissions for and citing images from the Photo Archive.

Can I scan or take my own pictures of photographs in the Photo Archive?

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U. S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Use of patron-owned copying equipment such as digital cameras and scanners is subject to compliance with United States copyright law, and any person using his or her own equipment to make copies of copyrighted material is liable for infringement.

Readers are permitted to take digital pictures for study purposes only. Learn more on the Copyright Information section of the Reproductions & Permissions page

How can I access the Photo Archive if I visit the Getty Library?

Visit the How to Use page to learn about how to access the Photo Archive in person.