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  • 1.  Question on How would someone mark provenance on unsigned art work of a family member?

    Posted 08-19-2024 10:21 PM
    Hello, 

    Q. How would someone mark provenance on unsigned art work of a family member? 
    My father died unexpectedly 4 years ago. Recently, our family started to show is work at small museum, where my father's  family emigrated from Luxembourg to in Iowa We have a Train Depot would like to display the work, but we would like to recognize my father's work. Currently, the artwork was not signed and dioramas of barns and train scenes. One topic I do not remember covering in my museum studies class. Would someone have suggestion where I would find best practices in provenance for unsigned artwork?  

    Thank you. 
    Mandi Toutsch 
    M: 650-336-3121


    Sent from my iPad


  • 2.  RE: Question on How would someone mark provenance on unsigned art work of a family member?

    Posted 08-20-2024 09:23 AM
    Hi, Mandi - are you asking about provenance or attribution?  I'm guessing if the work has been in the family since before your father's death, chain of custody would be fairly easy to prove.

    On the other hand, attribution might be a bit more difficult.  Did he work with others?  Have a unique style or technique?  Were materials (especially supports - canvases, paper, etc.) left in his studio when he died?  If they match the materials of finished, unsign works, this could help to attribute.

    Were the dioramas created for institutions where purchase or commission records would still be available?  Did he purchase art from others, or did he and his colleagues/friends trade works?  work in similar styles and methods?  This could muddy the waters.

    If he had a coterie, its members might recall his working on certain pieces, or even better, have photographs of him and the works in his studio.  Artist friends might recall trading or working with him.

    Good luck.  Vivian





  • 3.  RE: Question on How would someone mark provenance on unsigned art work of a family member?

    Posted 08-20-2024 01:20 PM
    Hello Vivian.
    My father was an art teacher for 33 years. All of the art is his work - conception to completion.

    This topic I do not remember being covered in my Museum Studies program at John F. Kennedy University, but I am reaching out to my connections in the Museum and Art world.

    Thanks for your insight, Vivian.

    Best regards,
    Mandi Toutsch

    Sent from my iPad