Provenance: the little folder that travels with a work

Provenance is a serious word for a simple idea: the story of where a work has been, from the artist's studio to your wall, with the papers to show it.

What goes in the folder

The invoice from the gallery or the artist.

The certificate of authenticity.

Any exhibition the work was part of, with dates.

Any catalogue or publication where it appears.

Each change of owner.

Why it matters

Because a work whose story is complete is easier to insure, to lend, to sell and to pass on. Two similar works can be valued differently just because one of them can show where it has been.

A gap is not a scandal

Older works often have quiet years. A gap is a question to ask, not a reason to run. What matters is that the answers you do get can be checked.

Start on day one

Keep the invoice and the certificate together. Add a note when the work is exhibited, lent, reframed or restored. It takes five minutes a year and it is the kindest thing you can do for whoever has the work after you.

How ours keep it

The certificates from our gallery keep that story for you: each signature and each change of owner is added to the same record, and anyone can check it from the QR. There is more on the certificates page.

If you would like company

This is what we do every day from Mexico City: help people find, buy and live with original contemporary art. Book a free 30-minute call, or simply look at the works available now.

Image: “Asedio Sobre El Paisaje III” by Juanna Pedro.