As the value of artworks continues to soar and forgery becomes more sophisticated, the importance of provenance in retracing history and authenticating works has been increasingly acknowledged.
How provenance became relevant
In the post-war period, particularly after World War II, provenance gained unprecedented significance in the art market.
During this time, revelations surfaced about systematic looting of artworks by the Nazis and extensive forced sales, sparking heated debates around ownership claims.
The repercussions of this dark period in history prompted intense pressure to investigate the provenance of certain artworks acquired by institutions and private collections.
Many of these pieces had been plundered or acquired questionably during the Nazi regime. The need to verify the provenance of these artworks became a priority, driven by the pursuit of justice and accountability for past actions.
As awareness about the historical and ethical impact of provenance grew, new legislation concerning provenance also emerged.
These aimed to combat the likelihood of further looting and illegal export of art and antiquities. Cultural institutions such as museums and galleries began adopting stricter policies regarding provenance, refusing acquisitions lacking a solid and clear ownership history.
In this context, emerged the Art Loss Register (ALR), an extensive global computerized database dedicated to information on stolen art and lost collectibles.
The database is the brainchild of the International Foundation for Art Research (IFAR), a non-profit institution based in New York, established to compile information on stolen art.
Thanks to its comprehensive record, spanning since its inception in 1991, the ALR enables collectors, dealers, art institutions, and insurers to access crucial information that helps prevent the acquisition and trade of questionable items.
By facilitating the tracking and inclusion of artworks in its vast database, the ALR not only safeguards the market but also contributes to an ethical and transparent artistic landscape, in line with the increasingly stringent provenance guidelines shaping the world of contemporary art.
Role of provenance and its applications
Provenance plays a vital role in the art world, providing a window into a work’s history and authenticity.
Let’s delve deeper into how provenance influences transactions among galleries, artists, and collectors, as well as the different markets shaping the art landscape.
Transactions among gallery, artist, and collector
Galleries play a crucial role in establishing the provenance of artwork. Typically, provenance begins with the initial transaction between the gallery and the artist.
Here, the gallery acquires the artwork directly from the artist or, in some cases, acts as an intermediary to showcase the piece to potential buyers.
When a collector purchases artwork from a gallery, provenance is established through the transaction between the collector and the gallery.
The gallery provides detailed documentation about the artwork, including purchase invoices, certificates of authenticity, and other relevant information.
It’s important to note that the secondary market, comprising dealers and auction houses, also significantly contributes to the provenance of artwork.
Here, artworks may change hands multiple times, with each transaction adding a layer to its provenance.
Different Art Markets
- Primary Market: this refers to the sale of artworks directly by the artist or by galleries representing the artist. In this market, provenance usually begins with the initial transaction between the artist and the gallery, thus establishing the ownership history of the artwork.
- Secondary Market: encompassing dealers, auction houses, and other intermediaries dealing with artworks already in the market. Here, provenance is tracked through multiple transactions, with each new owner contributing to the artwork’s history.
- Online Resale Market: with the advent of technology, online platforms facilitating the buying and selling of artworks among collectors have emerged. In these markets, provenance is essential to ensure the authenticity and legitimacy of artworks offered for sale.
- Auction market: auction houses play a significant role in determining the value and provenance of artworks. Auction records provide a valuable source of information about ownership history and the value of artworks.
Collection Cataloging and Authentication
Need to ascertain the authenticity of an artwork?
SSAA will retrace the whole provenance history and go through the certification of authenticity with the authorized authorities to ensure the value and reliability of your collection.
Importance of provenance for collectors
For art collectors, provenance is crucial. It provides a documented history of the artwork’s ownership, allowing verification of its authenticity and avoidance of acquiring forgeries.
Additionally, it establishes a direct connection with the artist and contributes to the preservation of artistic legacy.
A solid provenance also enhances the investment in art, attracting more interest and demand among collectors and when the artworks comes from a renown collection it also increases the financial value of the piece.
How to research artwork provenance
Provenance of an artwork can take various forms; hence, combining multiple sources and research methods is a smart way to gain a comprehensive and reliable understanding of the piece’s background.
Documented provenance
Detailed and verifiable documents provide a clear trail of the artwork’s ownership history, enhancing its credibility and value in the market.
This form of provenance is supported by authentic documents such as:
- Purchase invoices and fact sheet from galleries and auction houses;
- Gallery consignment reports and archives;
- Exhibitions catalogs;
- Artist or artist foundation certificates of authenticity (COA);
- Export licenses;
- Artist’s monograph;
- Stamps behind the piece;
- Documents obtained in contact with the State.
Catalogues Raisonné
Catalogues Raisonné stand as a veritable encyclopedia dedicated to the work of a specific artist, aiming to provide a comprehensive and meticulous survey of their production.
This compilation includes detailed information on each piece, such as dimensions, techniques employed, current location, date of creation, and ownership history. Additionally, it documents participation in exhibitions, mentions in publications, and any other relevant data.
More than a mere inventory, the catalogue raisonné serves as a valuable critical and documentary source. It addresses issues of authenticity and authorship, fostering discussions on works whose attribution is uncertain and even listing those considered dubious or forged.
Auction records
Auction records often include information about the provenance of sold artworks, such as previous owners’ history and transaction details. These records can be a crucial source of information when researching the history of an artwork.
Anecdotal provenance
Refers to understanding the origin of the artwork based on ownership claims without documented evidence.
Although less reliable than documented provenance, anecdotal claims can contribute to the artwork’s historical record, especially if they can be verified by other sources.
Expert Appraisals
Appraisals conducted by experts of the artist or period can provide valuable insights into the provenance and authenticity of an artwork. It’s important to consider the reputation and experience of the expert when assessing the reliability of these appraisals.
Sophie Su Art Advisory offers personalized consulting for cataloging and authenticating collections.
With expertise accumulated over more than 15 years in the art market, we provide tailored guidance for you to build your dream collection – from purchasing artworks to certification and logistics.
References:
Artwork Archive: https://www.artworkarchive.com/blog/what-is-the-importance-of-provenance-in-artwork.
Masterworks: https://insights.masterworks.com/art/irl/what-is-provenance-why-is-it-important/.
MODUS: https://ww3.rics.org/uk/en/journals/property-journal/provenance-critical-to-opinions-of-value.html.