Why provenance research?
Provenance research (Latin: provenire = to come from) is dedicated to the most complete reconstruction of the history of an artwork:
-
Who were the previous owners?
-
Through whose hands (auctions, experts, art dealers) did the work pass?
-
Was it acquired legally or were there critical changes of hands due to unjust contexts?
Deciphering the story of a work of art - creating added value
The systematic investigation of a work of art's provenance is one of the established methods of art history and is indispensable today—whether for authentication, value enhancement , avoiding legal uncertainties, or placing it in a cultural-historical context. A secure provenance can significantly increase the market value of a work of art, whereas unclear or even problematic provenance stories pose considerable risks.
Whether for private collectors, art dealers, museums, foundations, or heirs : Our thorough provenance research offers you clarity and security. We help you:
-
Increase value and market opportunities: A proven, complete provenance can significantly increase the value of a work of art and strengthen buyer confidence.
-
Clarify contexts of injustice: Was an artwork unlawfully confiscated during the Nazi era (looted art) or sold under duress? We identify potential burdens and support fair solutions, to restore the marketability of your artworks.
-
Minimize legal risks: Unclear or problematic provenances can lead to legal disputes. A transparent provenance history protects against unexpected conflicts.
-
To supplement collections with a historically sound basis: private collectors, foundations, museums and other institutions benefit from the secure classification of their holdings in an art and cultural-historical context.
Our team specialises in works by Old Masters of the Dutch school (Jan van Goyen, David Teniers, etc.) and the Italian school (Bernardo Bellotto, Jacopo Bassano, etc.) works from the 19th century (Carl Spitzweg, Eduard Manet, etc.), German Impressionism (Max Liebermann, Lesser Ury, etc.), French Impressionism (Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, etc.), Expressionism (Edvard Munch, Ernst Ludwig Kirchne, etc.), Surrealism (René Magritte), Cubism (Fernand Léger) and Swiss artists (Ferdinand Hodler, Albert Anker, Cuno Amiet, etc.).
Take advantage of our expertise to fully explore your artwork, not only in its aesthetic but also in its historical dimension. Because clear provenance is not just a sign of quality—it's an investment in the future of your art collection.
Provenance research in the art trade?
On 21 May 2025, we had the opportunity to present our work with many examples from the art trade in a presentation at the HKB (Bern University of the Arts).
https://www.hkb.bfh.ch/de/aktuell/fachveranstaltungen/forschungs-mittwoch-185/