What does provenance mean and why does it matter in art?

Provenance is the documented history of who has owned an artwork, from its creation to the present. It may include sales receipts, gallery and auction records, exhibition catalogs, letters, inventory labels, and photographs of the work in someone's home.

Provenance matters for several reasons. It supports authenticity, since a clear chain of ownership makes it harder for a forgery to slip in. It can add value, especially if the piece was owned by a notable collector or shown in an important exhibition. It also helps confirm that the work was not stolen or improperly taken from its rightful owner.

If you own art, keep every piece of documentation, including the receipt from your own purchase. When buying valuable work, ask for the provenance and be cautious about large unexplained gaps or vague stories about where the piece came from.