What defines a work of art?

In France, a work of art is defined as an original creation, whether literary, musical, plastic or visual.

It must express the artist's personality and have an aesthetic value recognized by professionals in the field. In addition, a work of art must be unique or produced in a limited edition, and generally intended for public exhibition or sale in galleries or museums.

French law also provides copyright protection mechanisms for artists, to guarantee their intellectual property rights over their creations.