Provenance

Provenance is the documented history of ownership of an art object, whether it is a painting, porcelain, or a silver cup. In the world of auctions and collections, the lineage of a work is like that of thoroughbred horses. Provenance determines the authenticity of an item and its cultural and market value. For example, if a porcelain vase was once in the collection of a European dynasty or adorned the home of a celebrity, it becomes a real prize for collectors. It is often the case that an art object is declared a find "from grandma's attic", but a solid provenance suddenly makes it the star of an auction and the subject of close attention. Interesting fact: fake provenances occur almost as often as forged paintings, so experts are always meticulous! If you love art, attention to provenance is the key to a successful purchase.