Marianne
LE MORVAN PhD
Provenance researcher
01 about
I am Marianne Le Morvan, I am 38 years old and I live in Paris. I have a PhD in Art History and I am an independent researcher.
I am a specialist in provenance research: I trace the history of an artwork since its creation. It is a major element when proving its authenticity, creating an argument in favour of its valuation if it previously belonged to a prestigious collector. However, above all it is deontological proof attesting to the transparency of its history: this research has become essential for all the actors of the art world. As most of the archives for the modern art market are in Paris, I do the research for these establishments such as private collectors, auction houses, and museum curators.
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I am also a curator and academic advisor for several major exhibitions, particularly on the modern period and women artists.
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I have recreated the archives of the avant-garde gallery owner Berthe Weill, I wrote the first book on the Art Deco architectural treasure the Splendid, I reconstructed Auguste Bauchy's collection from previously unpublished archives, and I carried out the first study on the forgotten sculptor Marguerite Peltzer.
I dedicate myself to missions that fascinate me. I like to share it, I teach at the University of Paris and I publish many academic papers, I also contribute to conferences.
02 books
As Berthe Weill's biographer, I was responsible for the reconstruction of her gallery's archives, which have become indispensable for the study of the Parisian avant-garde period.
I also discovered the story of Auguste Bauchy, a major collector of Gauguin and Van Gogh, whose extensive collection has been documented for the first time from unpublished archives, thanks to a collaboration with his great-grandson that will allow for the upcoming publication of his first biography with a preface by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
Attached to little-known heritage, I published the first book on an Art Deco masterpiece whose decor is intact, le Splendid in Dax, in southwestern France. I also discovered the designer of the furniture that was kept there, leading to the career of Victor Courtray, for whom I created the first website presenting his history and his creations.