Public Domain images question

[dr_flie]

You guys have all inspired me to begin creating again so over the past couple of weeks I've been experimenting with a few things, and in some cases using photographs/found images for referencing and also for cutting elements out to use. I'm now at the point where I want to do something a bit more serious with the hopes of doing a screenprint.

The specific question I have is with public domain images. What is the general rule of thumb? Is it legal to repurpose elements from anything that's public domain? It's probably written somewhere here, but I'm not that handy with the search function.

[MaximumFluoride]

Oh brother.... here we go.

[ialieneye]

Oh brother.... here we go.

lol

[El Negro Magnifico!]

I think it was an innocent question. On a related note, I can't help but wonder if
any of y'all are using flickr's Commons: Flickr: The Commons

[mikeage]

what do you mean by public domain? something that is actually public domain or something you found on the internet?

[vastagh]

i'd check with florafauna.com

[TeddyPancake]

I think it was an innocent question. On a related note, I can't help but wonder if
any of y'all are using flickr's Commons: Flickr: The Commons

Thanks for this link. Great resource.

[dr_flie]

I'm talking specifically about public domain. (i.e. Libraries, city records, online resources). And I appreciate the PG reference, but that's not what i had in mind. Let's say I need a good shot of the capital building, or the vatican, or even some random tree to use in a piece.. perhaps I just like the texture of a wall. I guess, I've always assumed that once it becomes public domain, you're pretty much able to use it. Just thought I'd ask if there's anything I should watch out for.

[dr_flie]

And thanks for the link El Negro. Some amazing photos there.

[rockologist]

online resources, and libraries should state whether the image are in the public domain. "public domain" is kind of a vague term.
here's a good link:
Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States