A Short Collector’s Guide to Provenance, Price, and Pitfalls The secondary art market can feel like a labyrinth. For the seasoned collector, it’s a landscape rich with opportunity — and risk. Unlike buying directly from an artist or gallery, purchasing from the secondary market involves additional layers: historical value, legal clarity, and market psychology. Start with Provenance, Not Price A competitive price tag is meaningless without clear provenance. Can the seller trace ownership back to the artist or a credible dealer? Are exhibition records, publications, or previous auctions properly documented? These are not extras — they are non-negotiables. Rarity ≠ Quality A work might be rare because no one wanted…