Why is Provenance Important for Artwork?Īn ideal provenance traces the ownership history of a piece all the way back to the original artist. These details can be very interesting and are coveted by some fine art collectors. Provenance often includes who has previously owned a piece and where (exhibitions/galleries) the item has been displayed. The word provenance is rooted in the French word, provenir, which means “to come from” and it is a way to show a record of ownership for a work of art.
Provenance is the history of ownership of a valued object or work of art. Why are Certificates of Authenticity Important for Fine Art Photography?ĬOAs give potential collectors confidence that they are purchasing a high quality and valuable piece of limited edition artwork. It is an important piece of documentation which ensures the artwork was created and authorized by the artist and is not a counterfeit. Have you ever wondered how Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) are used in the world of fine art photography? In this article, you will learn about COAs and provenance and how they are used to validate the authenticity of Scott Smorra Photography limited edition fine art prints.Ī Certificate of Authenticity is an official document which proves artwork is legitimate and authentic.