The Importance of Provenance in the World of Art, Antiques and Collectibles

Next to condition, provenance is probably the single most important factor when it comes to establishing the value of an antique or collectible.

Provenance details the origin and previous ownership of a particular object. This is especially important if one is dealing in fine art. When it involves an expensive painting, provenance is more than just a luxury that might result in a few extra dollars; it can be absolutely essential in determining the painting's authenticity.

Is a painting that is signed by a famous artist real or fake? There are a number of ways to identify a painting's age, but even if one can confirm it was painted at the same time the artist in question was alive, it still can't be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that it was in fact painted by that very artist. Maybe a few notable art experts can make such a distinction, but the majority of art collectors, even serious collectors, cannot.

Even as far back as the 1600s, there were very talented artists who copied the works of the masters. No offense to China, but in no way do the glass, pottery, porcelain and toy reproductions being made today resemble the originals in quality. This is not the case when it comes to some of the paintings produced by those long ago artists who paid homage to the masters by covering their works. They used the same materials and painted in the same style. Today these paintings show the same age and wear as those paintings they copied.

If one can trace an important painting back to the master who painted it by producing a written history of that painting from the time it was finished to where it is now then its authenticity is no longer in question. It is similar to the police maintaining a proper chain of custody when it comes to evidence.

On a lesser scale, there is no question that an antique or collectible in today's market will bring more money if the present owner of that item has a real story to tell. Someone who has a vintage 14K gold lady's watch is somewhat guaranteed to get a certain price based on condition, manufacturer and the current value of gold. However, if this same someone has the provenance that accurately traces this watch back to Eleanor Roosevelt and then this person can show, either through a photograph or an affidavit, that Eleanor Roosevelt was wearing that watch at FDR's funeral, how much is it worth then?

Any time people buy antiques or collectibles they should ask as many questions as possible about the history of those items. Should they receive important background information about their purchases, they need to remember to add themselves to this provenance. One of these items could wind up being owned by someone famous many years from now. The person who buys this piece today needs to secure his or her place in its future. It will be very important to those collectors who come across it one hundred years from now.