Provenance Research

Glossary

Accession Number
The identification number assigned to a work of art when it enters a museum's permanent collection. The Cincinnati Art Museum uses the calendar year that an object enters the collection and its sequence of arrival into the collection. For example, the first work accessioned during the year 2002 would be assigned the number 2002.1.

Attribution
The identification of an artist as the possible maker of a work of art.

Bequest
To give or leave by will.

Given with life interest
Objects given to a museum by a private owner, but which remained with the owner until his or her death. This gift giving option is no longer practiced, but was common in the early twentieth century.

Footnote
A note of reference, explanation, or comment placed below the text on a printed page.

Loot
Goods or articles of considerable value taken in times of war.

Nazi-era
The National Socialist German Worker's Party was founded on fascist principles in 1919 and headed by Adolf Hitler from 1921. The term "Nazi-era" refers to the period of 1933-1945 when this party was in power in Germany.

Provenance
The history of ownership of a work of art from its creation to the present day, including all private collectors, museums, dealers, auction houses, etc.

Restitution
To restore something its rightful owner.

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