Research Resources
Archaeological Materials, Ancient Art, and Cultural Property
The Met is committed to the responsible collecting of ancient art, archaeological materials, and other cultural property, including works of art from once-colonized areas, and goes to great lengths to ensure that all objects entering the collection meet its strict collecting policies.
The Met's Provenance Initatives
In response to the systematic, widespread looting by the Nazi regime, the provenance of works that changed hands in German-occupied Europe during the Nazi era has long been an area of particular focus for The Met.
Sometimes The Met learns through its own research or from an outside source that a work should be returned to its country of origin, based on our policies and the laws of the country in which it originated. Learn about objects that The Met has returned.
The Met's Resources for Provenance Research
Travel around the world and across 5,000 years of history through 490,000+ works of art.
A brief guide to books and online resources to assist with your provenance research.
The Brummer Gallery Records feature the brothers' business papers, as well as illuminating personal and family photos and documents. Of primary research value are the accession cards that record key information for over fourteen thousand works acquired through their New York and Paris galleries between 1916 and 1947.
Examine a selection of archival labels and stamps found on the backs of works in the Leonard A. Lauder Cubist Collection, revealing sales and exhibition histories.