Provenance, an art journey

Whether it is learning about, collecting or admiring art, provenance provides a fascinating aspect that greatly enhances the significance of a piece. Examining hundreds of catalogs enables us to find the most interesting pieces of information that describe the trajectory of the piece through history. This is particularly relevant for those interested in works that have existed for hundreds of years. Provenance can tell us about what was happening in society at a particular point and can also provide insight into the rationale for commissioning a piece or acquiring it from a given artist. Provenance tells us about the artist that produced the work and what he or she was asked to or chose to create. Finally, provenance also tells us about everyone that temporarily owned the artwork. With this information, we can then try to construct a fascinating journey, full of meaning that reflects the human spirit through history. To anyone wishing to take this voyage, provenance greatly enhances the experience of art and makes it come to life.