Provenance is proof of authenticity or past ownership. In the art world provenance determines the authenticity of a piece of artwork. Scholars consider a painting or piece of artwork legitimate when its history, particularly, its origins are known and documented.
The objective of provenance research is to produce a complete list of owners (together, where possible, with the supporting documentary proof) from when the painting was commissioned or in the artist’s studio through to the present time. In practice, there will probably be gaps in the list. The documented provenance should also list when the painting has been part of an exhibition and a history of when it has been researched, discussed, or illustrated) in print.
Maureen will record the physical details of the painting – subject, style, materials, signature, dimensions and frame style. The back of a painting can also contain significant provenance information — there may be exhibition marks, dealer stamps, gallery labels, and other indications of previous ownership.