Art provenance refers to the history of ownership of a work of art. It documents the journey of an artwork from its creation to its current owner, including previous collectors, galleries, and exhibitions. This information is crucial for establishing authenticity and value, as it helps to verify that the piece is genuine and not a forgery. Provenance can include details such as the artist's name, the date of creation, and any notable sales or transfers. It often involves records like receipts, auction catalogs, and exhibition listings. Understanding art provenance is essential for collectors, museums, and historians to ensure the integrity of artworks.