Provenance research – A Dutch guide

The English translation of this guide offers the basic steps for how to begin, with the main sources and practical tips. The guide was written for Dutch museums and other institutions.

The English translation remains focused on the Dutch context and may be used by anyone to obtain a better understanding of doing provenance research in the Netherlands.

We hope it can be informative and inspirational for international colleagues as well.

You will find in it:

  • How does one start research into the provenance of objects from a colonial context?
  • How did they end up in the collection?
  • Did it involve involuntary loss of possession?
  • Are objects eligible for return to the country of origin?

 

The guide is a tool for laying the basis for provenance research.

It is a step-by-step approach, using the most important sources and practical tips to help you get started.