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

Example Sentences

Has anyone traced the provenances of these paintings?

The artifact is of unknown provenance.

Recent Examples on the Web

After years of inhaling fashion magazines, Sevigny is chronically unable to name an article of clothing without also crediting its brand and provenance. —Brennan Kilbane, Allure, 23 Feb. 2023

The interiors pay homage to Napa’s historic provenance as a tanner center, through the use of white oak planking on ceilings and floors, accent metal details and leather upholstery. —Laura Parker, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023

The provenance research is to be published on the foundation’s website. —Catherine Hickley, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2023

However, the alabaster lamp, antique candlesticks, and classic portrait enhance the room’s historical provenance. —House Beautiful, 30 Dec. 2022

As museum visitors lined up to view the vase, questions surfaced about its price and provenance. —Michael S. Rosenwald, Washington Post, 29 Dec. 2022

Accompanied by a digital provenance record, the watch is poised to set a precedent for greater transparency in the historically secretive luxury watchmaking sector. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2022

Today, these political borders impose distance between neighboring countries that have many culinary traditions in common—which makes squabbling over provenance a complicated and often futile conversation. —Adam Reiner, Bon Appétit, 16 Dec. 2022

Questions around provenance, however, still await answers. —Lauren Keith, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Dec. 2022

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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