provenance

noun

prov·​e·​nance ˈpräv-nən(t)s 

ˈprä-və-ˌnän(t)s

1

: origin, source

2

: the history of ownership of a valued object or work of art or literature

Examples of provenance in a Sentence

Has anyone traced the provenances of these paintings?

The artifact is of unknown provenance.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Art Institute created its provenance research team in 2020. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025

As part of sharing their stories, the participants would affix a brown paper luggage tag to the object to keep a record of the object’s provenance, or its history of ownership. —Emma Cieslik, Them, 13 Mar. 2025

The decision follows new provenance research and collaboration with Nepalese officials, the museum said. —Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2025

Though discussions about the provenance of the piece have been underway since 2018, the museum said the decision to return it was finalized only a few months ago. —Graham Bowley, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from provenir to come forth, originate, from Latin provenire, from pro- forth + venire to come — more at pro-, come

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1