Chapter 656 Before and After (1/2)
Chapter 656: Before and After
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
In many professions, finding two helpers for the same job was avoided as it would make the other party feel that they were untrustworthy.
However, it was different when it came to the appreciation and authentication of artwork. Normally, a piece of valuable artwork required more than three official authentication organizations to authenticate the artwork.
This was in part due to the buyers. As there were so many buyers all over the world, they could not possibly all trust a single authentication organization. Some would trust one organization and others would trust another. So, in order to sell for a good price, it was best to get both organizations to carry out the authentication.
The two organizations that Roger found for Li Du had a lot of influence. One of the organizations was a commercial auction house while the other was a museum that specialized in collections. All in all, the authentication results from both organizations would be accepted by every buyer.
Experts from both organizations knew one another. After they met and shook hands, they greeted each other:
”Ah, Teacher Kevin, so happy to meet you here. Want to grab a drink after the authentication results are out?”
”Of course, Mr. Saunders. Our previous meeting in New York is still clear in my mind.”
”Professor Sughri, very happy to meet you. Please have a seat.”
Although they seemed very enthusiastic, they were enthusiastic to each other only. No one was concerned with Li Du, despite him being the customer.
However, as Li Du was well-tempered, he only felt a little displeased and did not express it in his face.
After the exchange of greetings, both parties sat. Professor Kevin, who was the oldest, said, ”Mr. Li, I think you can take out the oil paintings now. However, I would like to say a few words before the authentication. Is that alright?”
”Anything,” Li Du said, sipping his coffee.
Professor Kevin tapped on the table with his finger and said, ”According to Mr. Roger's words, you want to authenticate two different creations of Van Gogh: 'Beach at Scheveningen in Stormy Weather,' which was painted in 1882, and 'Congregation Leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen,' which was painted between 1884 and 1885.”
”Correct.”
Professor Kevin laughed bitterly and said, ”Those two paintings were stolen around 40 years ago. Subsequently, a lot of 'Beach at Scheveningen in Stormy Weathers' and 'Congregation Leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenens' appeared in the market. I hope you're prepared.”
Li Du understood his meaning. ”You suspect these two paintings are fake?”
Saunder, who was the expert working for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, said, ”Maybe they are high-quality imitation products. It is very difficult to tell their authenticity and hence, there will always be people mistaking them.”
Li Du smiled. ”I understand. You guys can go ahead and authenticate. Regardless of the outcome, I will accept it.”
The experts looked at each other and gestured to Li Du to open the oil paintings before starting their work.
As Roger had also considered the fact that there were two paintings, he invited two groups of experts. The two paintings were aptly split between the two groups, with each group in charge of one painting. After which, the two groups would exchange their views.
Authenticating oil paintings was a simple yet complicated matter. It was a simple matter as, if it were fake, an expert would be able to make a judgment after finding just one flaw.
However, if the oil painting were real, it was strenuous to determine the authenticity of a genuine product as an expert would be required to carry out checks and logical deductions from every angle before they could make a judgment.