How TetheredART WorksNFC Art Authentication Explained

TetheredART uses tamper-evident NFC tags to authenticate physical artworks, create permanent provenance records, and enforce resale royalties — no blockchain required.

The Authentication Process

• Artist Registers: An artist creates a listing with title, medium, dimensions, date created, and price.
• NFC Tag Assigned: A tamper-evident NFC tag is physically attached to the artwork and linked to its digital record.
• Artwork Scanned: Anyone can scan the NFC tag with a smartphone — no app required — to view the full artwork page.
• Provenance Logged: Every scan, ownership transfer, and exhibition is permanently recorded on TetheredART.
• Resale Triggers Royalty: When the artwork is resold, the artist automatically receives their configured royalty percentage.

What is Provenance Tracking?

Provenance is the documented history of an artwork's ownership, exhibition, and location over time. TetheredART records every ownership transfer, auction, and NFC scan to create a permanent, tamper-evident provenance trail. Anyone — collectors, galleries, insurers, or auction houses — can scan an NFC-tagged artwork and instantly verify its complete history without relying on paper certificates that can be lost or forged.

How Resale Royalties Work

When an artist registers a work on TetheredART, they set their own resale royalty percentage. Every time that artwork is resold through the platform, the royalty is automatically paid to the original artist — no chasing invoices, no manual tracking.

TetheredART takes up to 5% commission on secondary transactions. Emerging artists pay zero platform fees on their primary listings.

For Galleries and Curators

Galleries on TetheredART can host live public auctions, manage curated collections of NFC-tagged artworks, and invite artists to join their gallery roster. Every artwork in a gallery's collection carries a verified provenance record — giving collectors the confidence they need to purchase with certainty.

Gallery managers can view scan analytics, configure commissions, and track the exhibition history of every piece in their collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does NFC art authentication work?

An NFC tag is physically attached to the artwork at registration. When scanned with a smartphone, it instantly shows the artwork's full provenance, ownership history, and exhibition record. TetheredART logs every scan with date, location, and identity.

Do I need blockchain to use TetheredART?

No. TetheredART uses NFC-based authentication without any blockchain complexity. Artists register their work, receive a physical NFC tag, and the platform manages all authentication and provenance records.

How do resale royalties work for artists?

Artists set their own resale royalty percentage when registering a work. Every time the artwork is resold through TetheredART, the royalty is automatically paid to the artist. TetheredART takes up to 5% commission on secondary transactions.

What is provenance tracking in art?

Provenance is the documented history of an artwork's ownership, exhibition, and location over time. TetheredART records every ownership transfer, auction, and NFC scan to create a permanent, tamper-evident provenance trail accessible to anyone.