1. the place of origin or earliest known history of something
2. the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of an artwork or artifact
Usage: art history; museums

Examples

• The museum carefully researched the provenance of the ancient sculpture.
• Without clear provenance, the painting’s authenticity remained questionable.
• The wine’s provenance from a famous vineyard increased its value.
• Collectors prize items with well-documented provenance.
• The artifact’s provenance could be traced back three centuries.
• Questions about the manuscript’s provenance delayed the sale.