The term Provenance generally refers to place of origin of something. In the context of artworks and antiques, provenance is referred to a record or proof of genuineness of the thing of art or antique or of past ownership. The provenance of art works or antiques is of great importance because it increases the value of a painting. A record of provenance also may help confirm the date, artist, and the subject of a painting in case of portraits. It may authenticate whether a painting or antique is of the period it is dated from.