noun
- the origins or sources of something, especially the history of ownership of a work of art or manuscript
Usage: plural of provenance
Examples
- The museum carefully documented the provenances of all donated paintings.
- Scholars studied the provenances of the ancient manuscripts to verify their authenticity.
- The auction house provided detailed provenances for each piece in the collection.
- Art dealers must establish clear provenances to prove legitimate ownership.
- The provenances of these artifacts trace back to several different archaeological sites.
- Without proper provenances, the valuable sculptures could not be sold legally.