ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the identity and public perception of provenance research as a forensic process, in mitigating the potential risks associated with the acquisition of cultural objects. It explores individual approaches to provenance research as conducted by a range of art market participants and considers the variability of research methodologies in response to the accessibility of contextual information. By examining internal and external perceptions of provenance research as a systematic and structured research discipline, this chapter suggests a re-evaluation of its established identity to place greater emphasis on the subjectivity and diversity of research approaches. This chapter employs a sector-specific case study to evaluate a range of approaches to provenance research as conducted by an auction house specialist, museum curator, and private art dealer. These perspectives are used to identify the motivations that contribute to the complexity and integrity of each research methodology, and the responses of each individual to the accessibility and availability of research resources. The chapter concludes by suggesting a more sophisticated and nuanced interpretation of the established identity of the provenance research discipline, that acknowledges the intrinsic variability of methodologies undertaken by art market participants.
