TRACEABILITY: a Sine Qua Non for Legitimacy and Sale
In the demanding world of art, a work without its documented and verified history is immobilised. It may be authentic, valuable, emotionally charged, but without proof of its journey it remains frozen. Without traceability there is no market value and no possibility of sale, because there is no legal legitimacy. In the context of an inheritance, one may pay substantial tax with no possibility of selling what has been paid for.
Insurance valuations may, at times, present a more optimistic figure than the work’s history would support. While this can appear reassuring, it is misleading. Such figures rarely stand when the time comes to sell or pass on a work, and can also mean paying high insurance premiums on values never realised in the market. The solution lies in establishing a clear and credible provenance, a process in which Sterenn Denys Art Advisory offers both discretion and authority.
Clarifying provenance transforms an object from a static possession into a recognised cultural and financial asset that can be sold, donated or transmitted with confidence. This applies whether the work is of significant market value or of personal importance, as even modest pieces benefit from a verifiable history.
Case Study: Unlocking the Financial Potential of a Collection
A European family inherited a group of twentieth-century paintings and drawings, several lacking complete provenance. Their insurance valuations were high, yet these figures did not reflect the works’ actual marketability. Without a clear and credible history, the pieces were excluded from open market opportunities.
Through targeted research and our trusted network, we re-established over eighty per cent of the collection’s ownership histories. This reinstated their eligibility for quality sales and increased their true market value by more than forty per cent.
The family chose to retain some works and sell successfully one lot, but now hold assets that can be sold, donated or transmitted with complete legal and market confidence, including the option for heirs to sell should they wish, a welcome prospect when taxes are to be paid.
Courtesy of Annie Morris
Your Collection, Secure for the Future
The result is a clear, authoritative document to share with insurers, lawyers, notaries, auction houses or other institutions, ensuring your works are recognised, protected and ready for any next step. Whether preparing for sale, planning succession or safeguarding a legacy, a credible history is the foundation of value, guided with independence and long-term vision.
We remain at your disposal to welcome your enquiries and offer
tailor-made solution: +32 476 368 762