Provenance

Provenance is the documented history of an artwork’s ownership, location, and custodial chain from its creation to the present day. Maintaining an accurate provenance record in Sesame helps verify authenticity and safeguard the value of your assets.

Adding a provenance entry

1. Open the asset page and tap the pencil icon below the artwork to enter the edit screen.

2. Scroll down to the Provenance section and tap Add provenance.

3. Fill in the relevant fields:

   • Party: Enter the name of the gallery, auction house, collector, or artist studio. As you type, Sesame will suggest matching records from your database or allow you to create a new party.

   • Party type: Select the appropriate category (e.g., Gallery, Auction house, Artist, etc.).

   • Location: Enter the location of the transaction or custody. This is a free-text field, allowing for regional or non-specific entries such as East London or Paris.

   • Date: Enter the transaction date. This is a free-text field to accommodate approximate timelines like Summer 1987 or c. 1920s.

   • Transaction type: Select the nature of the transfer (e.g., Acquisition, Loan, Gift, etc.).

   • Notes: Add any additional context, lot numbers, or historical references.

4. Tap Save to confirm your changes.

Managing multiple provenance entries

• Adding multiple entries: You can repeat this process to document the complete chain of ownership across an asset's lifetime.

• Reordering entries: Drag and reorder your provenance entries to ensure the timeline appears in accurate chronological order on the asset page.