History buffs thrive on the stories that shape our world: Where we have started, the experiences which have shaken the world, and how we arrived at our current location. In the world of art, this history, the journey which a work of art has travelled to arrive at its current location, is called Provenance. From the French word, provenir, meaning “to come from,” it is more than just the story of a work of art’s life or a timeline of ownership; it validates and confirms its value to the owner, even though it can be met with delight or grief, depending on the conclusion. Loosely considered the “title chain” of a work of art, you will find a vast array of different combinations of proof within the provenance of any work of art.
Read more