An art provenance research guide for the researcher and librarian: A list of resources

by Reynolds, Lisa

This paper is a guide to the resources available for art provenance research resources. The guide addresses lack of a prescribed methodology for art provenance research. It also discusses the role of librarians in art provenance research. Traditional art provenance research as well as World War II Era (Nazi Era) art provenance research is examined in the paper.

The guide includes a literature review of current resources available to conduct art provenance research. The guide lists reference materials, previously existing guides, and online catalogs and databases that can aid the researcher or librarian. Case studies are included to illustrate practical research methods. Large art museums’ practices are listed to demonstrate how to correctly read and write provenance records. A best practice section covers how to begin conducting art provenance research. The goal of the paper is aid the researcher or librarian in conducting art provenance research.