Provenance
Provenance is the documented history of ownership of an artwork or antique. At Arteify, every lot is reviewed for provenance documentation before it is listed — and we publish what we find.
Why Provenance Matters
A well-documented provenance serves three purposes: it confirms authenticity, it establishes legal title (proving the object was not stolen or illegally exported), and it adds to the historical and cultural value of the object. In practical terms, strong provenance consistently produces higher hammer prices.
Exhibition History
Records of a work having been exhibited at a named gallery or institution — particularly if catalogued — are among the strongest forms of provenance.
Previous Auction Records
Prior sale at a recognised auction house is a strong provenance indicator. We cross-reference lot descriptions against published auction records where possible.
Private Collection
Many of the most important works have been in private hands for generations. We record and verify what sellers share, and distinguish confirmed provenance from stated provenance.
Artist Records & Certificates
For contemporary works, certificates of authenticity, studio records, and artist statements all contribute to provenance. We request and publish these where available.
How Arteify Verifies Sellers
All sellers on Arteify are verified before their first listing goes live. Verification includes identity checks, business registration confirmation (where applicable), and a review of the documentation they provide for each object. We do not guarantee title — buyers should conduct their own due diligence — but we do not list works where we have concerns about ownership history.
Questions about a specific lot?
If you have questions about the provenance of any item listed on Arteify, contact our team before bidding. We will put you in touch with the seller’s specialist directly.