Glossary of art transport terms

At Moviiu, we place great emphasis on art transport with the utmost care, adhering to the highest industry standards.

This glossary is designed to familiarize you with the technical terms we use daily in our operations.

Whether it’s packaging, preservation, or logistical and regulatory aspects, each step of the transport process is crucial to ensure the integrity and security of the artworks.

Discover the definitions of the key terms we use at Moviiu for impeccable artwork transport service.

• Artwork: Any object considered a piece of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, etc.
• Collection: A set of artworks owned by an individual or institution.
• Transport: The process of moving artworks from one location to another.
• Handling: The act of manipulating artworks during their movement.
• Original Artwork: A unique and authentic piece of art.
• Reproduction: A copy of an original artwork.
• Contemporary Art: Artworks created from the second half of the 20th century onward.
• Antiquity: An artwork dating back to ancient times.

• Packaging: Materials and techniques used to protect artworks during transport.
• Crates: Boxes specially designed to protect artworks during transport.
• Cushioning Materials: Materials used to prevent the movement of the artwork inside the packaging (foam, bubble wrap, etc.).
• Thermal Protection: Materials or techniques used to protect artworks from temperature fluctuations.
• Climate-Controlled Box: A special casing that maintains constant environmental conditions.
• Shrink Film: Plastic material used to wrap and protect artworks.
• Corner Protectors: Accessories designed to protect the corners of framed artworks.
• Tissue Paper: Soft paper used to wrap delicate objects.

• Secure Packaging: Techniques and materials used to ensure the safety of the artwork during transport.
• Traceability: A system that allows tracking the artwork throughout its journey.
• Insurance: Financial coverage in case of damage or loss during transport.
• Security Seal: A device used to ensure that the packaging has not been tampered with.
• Geolocation: Real-time tracking of the artwork’s location.
• Alarms: Security systems designed to protect artworks from theft.

• Inventory: A detailed list of the artworks being transported.
• Documentation: A set of documents accompanying the artwork (provenance, permits, etc.).
• Conservator: A specialist responsible for the preservation and management of artworks.
• Conservation-Restoration Specialist: A professional responsible for restoring and preserving artworks.
• Logistics Coordination: Managing the various steps and parties involved in the transport process.
• Transport Plan: A detailed plan outlining the steps of the transport.
• Subcontracting: The use of external services for certain stages of transport.

• Specialized Transporter: A company or individual specializing in the transport of artworks.
• Courier: A person who accompanies and monitors the artworks during transport.
• Air Transport: The use of airplanes to transport artworks.
• Ground Transport: The use of vehicles to transport artworks.
• Sea Transport: The use of ships to transport artworks.
• Express Shipping: Fast transport of artworks.
• Multimodal Transport: The use of multiple transport methods (ground, air, sea).
• Door-to-Door Delivery: Direct delivery service to the destination address.
• Inter-Museum Transfer: Transport of artworks between museums.
• Specialized Transport Companies: Companies offering specific services for the transport of artworks.
• Escort Couriers: Qualified individuals who accompany artworks during transport.
• Secure Freight: A service for transporting valuable and fragile goods.

• Environmental Conditions: Temperature, humidity, and other controlled environmental factors to protect artworks.
• Climate-Controlled Case: An environment maintained at stable conditions during transport.
• Decontamination: A process to eliminate potential contaminants before transport.
• Humidity Control: Keeping humidity at a constant level.
• Risk Assessment: Evaluating potential risks during transport.
• Light Stability: Controlling exposure to light to protect artworks.
• Pigment Stabilization: Techniques to prevent the degradation of colors.
• Material Consolidation: Strengthening fragile materials of artworks.
• Pest Treatment: Techniques to protect artworks from insect infestations.

• Export Authorization: A document required to transport artworks across borders.
• Washington Convention: An international treaty governing the trade of artworks.
• Customs: Authorities responsible for regulating the transport of artworks across borders.
• Provenance: The history of ownership of an artwork.
• International Standards: Global rules and guidelines for the transport of artworks.
• Import: The entry of artworks into a country.
• Export: The departure of artworks from a country.
• Export License: Official authorization to export an artwork.

• Valuation: The estimation of an artwork’s value.
• Certificate of Authenticity: A document confirming the authenticity of the artwork.
• Insurance Policies: Insurance contracts covering artworks during transport.
• Art Experts: Professionals specialized in evaluating artworks.
• Detailed Inventory: A precise and comprehensive description of the artworks being transported.

• Display Case: A presentation and protection unit for artworks.
• Frame: A structure surrounding and supporting an artwork.
• Museum Lighting: Lighting systems specifically designed for museums.

• UV Protection: Techniques used to protect artworks from ultraviolet rays.
• Thermal Insulation: Methods used to maintain a constant temperature.
• Controlled Ventilation: Systems managing the airflow.

• Catalog Raisonné: A comprehensive publication of an artist’s works.
• Conservation File: A collection of documents related to the conservation of an artwork.
• Condition Report: A document describing the state of the artwork before, during, and after transport.

• Cultural Mediation: Activities that explain and contextualize artworks.
• Art Loan: Temporary lending of artworks for exhibitions or study.
• Restitution: The return of artworks to their original location or owner.