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Provenienz

provenance (documented ownership history of an artwork)

noun pro-veh-NYENTS Rare

Origin: from French provenance, origin

Usage Note

Provenienz is the documented ownership history of a work of art from its creation to the present. Provenienzforschung (provenance research) is legally required in Germany to identify Nazi-looted art.

Examples

"Die Provenienz des Gemäldes konnte bis ins 17. Jahrhundert lückenlos belegt werden."

Natural Translation

The provenance of the painting could be documented without gaps back to the 17th century.

Literal Translation

The provenance of the painting could to the 17th century gap-lessly proven be.

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