Authentication and Provenance in Art Law
In the dazzling, often dizzying, world of art, where masterpieces fetch astronomical prices and reputations hinge on a single brushstroke, two concepts reign supreme: authentication and provenance. Think of them as the Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson of the art world, working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind every canvas and sculpture. Authentication asks the fundamental question: “Is this artwork genuine? Was it truly created by the artist it’s attributed to?” Provenance, on the other hand, delves into the artwork’s past, meticulously tracing its journey from the artist’s studio to its present owner. Together, they are the bedrock upon which the art market’s legitimacy and value are built. (more…)