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Provenance

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Understanding where our collection comes from

The provenance of an artwork tells us the history of the work’s ownership from the time the work is created to when it is acquired by the gallery. Provenance is used to help confirm legal ownership of a work of art. Knowing the history of ownership also provides us with other valuable historical information, such as its cultural significance, or how the work might have influenced other artists at the time.

We are committed to only acquiring works of art in line with the highest standards of due diligence. Due diligence involves a complete assessment of the work’s past and current ownership. This assists us in:

  • evaluating the work’s authenticity
  • identifying any gaps in its history of ownership
  • thoroughly investigating any gaps or concerns about its ownership
  • considering cultural sensitivities and ethical issues
  • establishing that the work was lawfully obtained.

In July 2021, the National Gallery introduced a new provenance assessment framework. If, on the balance of probability, the Gallery considers a work was likely stolen, illegally excavated, exported in contravention of the law of a foreign country, or unethically acquired, we take all the necessary steps to return it to its country or community of origin. This process is known as deaccession and repatriation.

You can find out more about artworks held in our national collection here.

Do you have information about any of the works of art in our collection?

We would love to hear from you. To share your knowledge, please email us at provenance@nga.gov.au.

Projects


Investigating the provenance of our collections

The Gallery is currently reviewing the provenance of several of our significant collections. Compiling an accurate and unbroken history of ownership is a long process. Documentation may be lost or intentionally hidden, such as during wartime, or never have existed. Oral histories of works passed on as family heirlooms may become distorted and people selling work through dealers or auction houses may have requested their identity remain anonymous. We continually update the National Gallery website as new information is uncovered.

You can find out more about artworks held in our national collection here.

Painting of native grasses after the rain in pink, yellow, black, and white.

Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Anmatyerre people, Ntange Dreaming, 1989, purchased 1989. © Emily Kame Kngwarreye/Copyright Agency.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art

We are researching the provenance of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection.

More
watercolour of the goddess Lakshmi sitting on a lotus throne with elephants on either side that sprinkle water from the holy River Ganges

Kalighat Style, Lakshmi, Goddess of Prosperity and Beauty, lustrated by elephants [Gajalakshmi], 1855–60, The Gayer-Anderson Gift 1954

Asian Art

We are reviewing the provenance of our Asian art collection.

More
Impressionist painting of haystacks in a field with trees in the background

Claude Monet, Meules, milieu du jour [Haystacks, midday], 1890, purchased 1979

European and American Art

We are investigating the ownership of art in our collection that was in Europe between 1933 and 1945.

More

Enquiries & Claims


Art Enquiries and Claims

Follow the Art Enquiries and Claims Handling Procedure to make a claim or enquiry about a work of art in the collection of the National Gallery or on loan to us, or if you want additional information about a work.

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More information


  • Provenance

    Protection of Cultural Objects on Loan

    A large spherical sculpture hanging from large wires in the sky is visible through a gap in tree branches

    The National Gallery is an approved borrowing institution under the Protection of Cultural Objects on Loan Act.

  • Provenance

    Australian and International Conventions
    Acquiring and Borrowing Cultural Material

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  • Provenance

    Gallery Policies

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    Detailed information on policies relating to acquiring and exhibiting works of art at the National Gallery.

  • How to Read Provenance Information

    Photograph of woman seated at table with laptop and archival material surrounding her

    Charting the changes in ownership of a work of art depends on documents such as wills, archives, receipts, auction sales and dealers' receipts.


Related


Researching from Home

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The National Gallery Research Library and Archive aims to enhance access to information by researchers, particularly to unique information.

Contact Research Library

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Research Library & Archives

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The Library houses comprehensive collection of visual arts literature, is open from Monday to Friday, 10am – 4.45pm, except on public holidays.

Art Enquiries & Claims Handling Procedure

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The Gallery invites people to make contact if they have a concern about a work that the Gallery owns, has borrowed, or is about to borrow.

Outward Loans Guidelines

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Making the national collection accessible across Australia and internationally.

Senior Curator, International Art
NGA Executive Level 1
Position No. 4229
Ongoing – Full-time
$104,155 – $118,847

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Application close midnight, Monday, 6 February 2023

Yuuma, Gurruburri

The National Gallery acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the Kamberri/Canberra region, and recognises their continuous connection to culture, community and Country.

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