Works of art can pass through many hands after leaving the artist’s studio. This history of ownership, referred to as provenance, often includes a transfer of the artwork between the artist, dealers, collectors, and institutions. Gaps in provenance frequently occur due to a lack of records, but they can also indicate something more nefarious, such as theft or hidden property.

Discover some of the fascinating stories of collectors, including actress Greta Garbo, who left evidence of ownership and the curators, dealers, and scholars who traced the origins of works. Photographs, prints, albums, and handwritten notes reveal intriguing details about works of art and the people who once owned them.

The Art of Sleuthing: Evidence of Collectors Who Made Their Mark draws from resources and documents in the Department of Image Collections in the National Gallery of Art Library.