In these days we often hear talking about NFT (non-fungible-tokens used to trace an object's digital provenance and to prove ownership), but how can we mark ownership on physical artworks?
Today I take on commissions for custom Private Ownership Marks in the form of a wood engraving.
P.O.M. are applied on the back side of your matted print or painting. This small labels serve to indicate the ownership of the artwork and the date of purchase or donation.
Here are some examples of traditional Ownership Stamps:
When we look on the back of a painting or print we can find valuable information: from its auction and exhibition history and provenance to notes from the artist.
The details found in the ‘verso’ can significantly enhance its value.
This information is often provided on small labels: lovely additions that help you build the story behind the artwork.
GENERAL INFO - COMMISSIONING A PRIVATE OWNERSHIP MARK
Think about the person whom the Ownership Label is for; designs can incorporate coat of arms, symbols and components that are familiar to you, such as pets, hobbies or even face-portraits.
Feel free to attach images to your email. Once my sketches have been approved by you, work can proceed.
When you contact me initially I will answer all the questions you might have regarding: Time needed to complete the work, How to paste your labels on the back of your prints or paintings, Materials...
The price of a Private Ownership Mark commission can vary between 250 to 400 euro, depending on the size of the complexity of the engraving. The maximum size of the block is 5,5 X 7,5 cm.
This price includes the original engraved block, an Archival Ink Pad for easily inking and printing your block at home, 50 sheets of Acid-free and extremely age resistant paper, size A5 and shipping costs*.
*Shipping worldwide with standard international delivery services such as UPS, FedEx, EMS, DHL.
Mr. Vermeire,
I would like to commission a Private Ownership Mark.
I'd like to have as many of the following motifs included as possible:
- The lettering "This print belongs to" + my full name "Patrick Van de Lande."
- Please find attached photos of my Siamese cat, the Oak tree standing outside my kitchen's window and some pictures of my favorite artworks, to serve as inspiration.
Can you please tell me whether you are interested in taking on this commission and, if so, how much the job will cost?
The engraved block stamp would be shipped to Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Thank you, in advance.
Best regards.
WHAT IS ART PROVENANCE AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT ?
A work's provenance provides valuable information about the attribution of an object. An ideal provenance provides a record of owner's name, date of ownership, location and method of transference, i.e. inheritance, gift, or sale.
Unfortunately, such complete records of ownership are rare and it's common for an object to have an incomplete ownership history.
Inventory records of an object are important to provide strong evidence of a work's authenticity. A complete ownership history may have a positive impact on the value of the work of art.
Furthermore a proof of ownership may help determinate the legitimacy of a sale or to indicate that an artwork was stolen or loaned, i.e. to a museum.
Written notes and custom stamps are often found on the backs of paintings. Thanks to this labels private owners are distinguished from dealers or auction houses.
More information is often added on the labels themselves to indicate accurate history details and establish the provenance of the work of art.
Adding your Ownership Labels (steps):
- Print your Engraved Stamp at home by using an Archival Ink Pad and Acid-free paper. Make several attempts before using the Acid-free paper.
- Add an orderly written note on the printed paper: date of ownership, location and method of transference, i.e. inheritance, gift, or sale.
- Cut the paper down to the preferred size (should not exceed A6 paper size) and decide where exactly to paste the label on the back of the Matted print or on the back of the frame. Standard labels usually have A7 or A8 size.
- Use White Neutral PH Archival quality Glue to be applied on the back of the label with a small brush and paste the label on the back of the work of art. If you do not want to use glue you can use Archival Restoration Tape.
- DO NOT paste the label or use the stamp directly on the original work of art. Your label should only be pasted on the back side of the sturdy cardboard or wooden support and NOT on the original work of art itself, in order to avoid damaging the object.
