What is a ‘chain of title’?

A chain of title is a legal term which refers to a document that outlines who has owned a piece of artwork over the course of its history. In New York, it is important to have a chain of title in order for a person or organization to have valid ownership of a piece of art. A chain of title can be established through a variety of means, such as a bill of sale, documentation of an artist’s gift of the artwork, a contract of transfer, and more. The purpose of having a chain of title is to trace the title of the artwork from its origin to its current owner. This serves to ensure that the artwork is legally owned by the current holder and that they are the rightful owner. It also serves to help identify any prior holders of the artwork, as this could be a helpful source of information in the case of a dispute. In a legal context, a chain of title is an important document which can be used to prove ownership of artwork. This document is essential for anyone looking to purchase or transfer artwork, as it will help to prove that a legal transaction has been made. In New York, it is important to keep a chain of title for any artwork that is purchased, sold, or transferred, as this information is key to establishing legal ownership.

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