Research into the origin of objects, so-called provenance research, is now an integral part of the work of many collecting institutions, including the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe.
The aim of provenance research is to determine the history of artworks and to find out who owned an artwork during the course of its biography and under what circumstances it came to its owners. Particular attention is paid to the Nazi era, as the complex methods of provenance research make it possible to identify so-called looted property. Using selected examples from the Kunsthalle's collection, the studio exhibition gives visitors an insight into the working methods of provenance research. The show recalls the people who owned the artworks and brings their moving stories to light.
The aim of provenance research is to determine the history of artworks and to find out who owned an artwork during the course of its biography and under what circumstances it came to its owners. Particular attention is paid to the Nazi era, as the complex methods of provenance research make it possible to identify so-called looted property. Using selected examples from the Kunsthalle's collection, the studio exhibition gives visitors an insight into the working methods of provenance research. The show recalls the people who owned the artworks and brings their moving stories to light.
