> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.art-opia.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Track provenance

> Provenance is the chain of ownership behind a work. Where it started, whose hands it passed through, and how it arrived with you.

Artopia keeps that history on the artwork record itself, so it travels with the piece for as long as you own it. Even a single entry, for instance how *you* acquired the work, is a valuable anchor to build from.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/artopia/GUrwLKwnJ1R-RhjK/images/artopia-provenance-example.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=GUrwLKwnJ1R-RhjK&q=85&s=fe9cc6bc2e4d790dff0e217823468d3b" alt="Artopia Provenance Example" width="2680" height="1600" data-path="images/artopia-provenance-example.png" />
</Frame>

## What a provenance entry captures

Each entry in the provenance log is a single moment in the work's history:

* **Owner**: The individual, gallery, estate, or institution that held the work.
* **Location**: Where the work was during that period, city, country, or specific venue.
* **Time or period**: An exact date, a range of years, or a free-form period like "1970s" or "circa 1985".
* **Notes**: Any context that matters, how the work was acquired, sale references, catalogue numbers, or research sources.
* **Documents**: Attach invoices, receipts, letters, or archival paperwork that back up the entry.
* **Images**: Link photographs, catalogue scans, or installation shots that document the period.

## How to add provenance

1. Open the artwork record.
2. Scroll to the **Provenance** section.
3. Click **Add entry** and fill in the fields you have.
4. Link any supporting documents or images already uploaded to the record.
5. Save. Entries appear in chronological order automatically.

<Tip>
  You don't need a full history to start. Even one entry, how *you* acquired the work, is a valuable anchor. You can fill in earlier owners as you research.
</Tip>

## Why it matters

* **Value**: A documented chain of ownership supports the work's authenticity and market value.
* **Insurance**: Underwriters and appraisers often ask for provenance when setting cover.
* **Resale and transfer**: A clear history makes the work easier to sell, gift, or bequeath.
* **Research**: Provenance is often the starting point for exhibitions, catalogues, and scholarship.

## Where provenance appears

* On the artwork detail page as a chronological list.
* In **PDF exports**, so you can share a clean ownership record with insurers, dealers, or advisors.
* On **public collection pages** if you choose to include it.
* On **transfers** when you hand the record to another Artopia user.

## Related pages

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Artwork records" icon="origami" href="/artworks/artwork-records">
    See every field available on an artwork record, including provenance, exhibitions, and condition reports.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Artwork documents" icon="file" href="/artworks/documents">
    Upload the invoices, receipts, and archival paperwork you'll want to attach to provenance entries.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

If you have any questions, reach out at [<u>hello@art-opia.com</u>](mailto:hello@art-opia.com)


## Related topics

- [March 2026](/updates/march-2026.md)
- [May 2026](/updates/may-2026.md)
- [June 2026](/updates/june-2026.md)