It was in the early 20th century that copyright law responded to growing public awareness of the plight of impoverished artists whose works greatly increased in value to the benefit of dealers and collectors without any corresponding benefit to the artist.
In France, a drawing by Forain published in France prior to World War I is reputed to have ignited a major campaign in the popular press in that country in favour of the art resale right. The campaign depicted two children in rags outside an auction salesroom. One child says to the other: “Look! They’re selling one of Papa’s paintings!” Another story often cited is that of the granddaughter of Millet, who sold flowers in the street while Millet’s painting ‘The Angelus’, purchased from the artist for 1,200 francs, was re-sold for 1m francs.
