Nineteenth Century Medical Guide

Chapter 369 365. Robbery Business

[It’s really a headache to be on duty]

Until the end, Kawei did not sell the painting.

He didn't know much about Manet, nor did he understand academic Impressionism. Originally, the painting skills of the owner of the body had not reached that level. He had just touched the threshold, and his appreciation level was also very limited.

His money to buy paintings has nothing to do with art, he just wants to preserve value + make money, and also to prepare for the future.

As a relatively small and opaque industry, the glamor and elegance exuded by the art trade have always attracted huge amounts of money.

Just look at how many wealthy people showed up at Melanie's salon, or the enthusiastic bidding atmosphere when the auction house opened, and you will understand that art has never only carried artistic taste, but has become more and more commodity-like as the economy grows. .

Of course, every piece of art is unique.

Not only does this create serious difficulties for valuation, it also makes it difficult to track the performance of a specific artist, art genre, or the market as a whole. The Impressionism represented by Manet is regarded as garbage in Paris today, but in just a few years, they will become the most popular school in society.

Obviously Morisot's offer did not impress Carvey.

"Ms. Morisot, 2000 francs is the same to me as it is to you. 2000 francs is nothing to us and cannot represent the value of this painting in our minds."

Carvey did not defend himself, but Morisot said: "Madam, Dr. Carvey and I pursue different artistic directions. In our eyes, the 5-franc painting of 'Pink and White Marzipan' is indeed quite beautiful. , but it’s just old-fashioned fun.”

Melanie shook her head gently, sat aside and smoked a cigarette: "Oh my god, young people today really can't understand what they are pursuing all day long."

Morisot did not expect that he would turn against the guest: "How do you know this is my painting?"

"How about Mr. Carvey making an offer?"

Melanie and Morisot also followed his gaze and looked at the two paintings: "It turns out Dr. Carvey is also so interested in Morisot's paintings."

"Well, no, I don't want to sell it, even if you pay twice as much." Kawei also stood up, "Since I have rejected your last offer, I should be able to try the next deal now. , it’s my turn to ask about the price.”

Morisot looked at Melanie, and after realizing that there was nothing he could do to help him, he had to give up: "Well, I took the liberty and wasted your time."

"Of course. To be honest, I am interested in all the paintings here, but my money is really limited, so it is impossible to buy them all. I don't have any preferences, so I can only go with it."

His eyes drifted to the two paintings above the fireplace.

Now Kawei is negotiating the price entirely based on his feeling, and the price in his mind is around 2 francs. At the same time, this is a price that is enough to persuade everyone to quit in order to keep this painting. Of course, if Morisot could really pay this price, he would happily accept it.

Regardless of the position of the two paintings in the other paintings or the height at which they are located, they all give people a very comfortable feeling. Although it is not enough to steal the top spot from those academic paintings, it is still enough to make people stop and watch.

Kawei deliberately slowed down the pace of the conversation and even recalled his previous life: "Actually, I also learned painting before studying medicine. Maybe my hands are like a beginner's now, but as you just said, I am still interested in art. There is pursuit.”

Kawei put a piece of cod fish stick into his mouth, picked up the red wine glass, pointed at his eyes and said with a smile:

"I noticed them as soon as I entered the door. Unlike those classical academic paintings that are detailed enough to be realistic, the brushstrokes of these two paintings will appear rougher. It's not that the painter can't be delicate, but it is deliberately so, but in the details of light The grasp is eye-catching and makes you feel like you are on the scene.”

After saying that, she stood up to leave, but Kawei stopped her again: "Ms. Morisot."

"This is too exaggerated! This is the price that the Three Emperors paid for Cabanat's "The Birth of Venus" at the same price!" Before Morisot could react, Melanie exclaimed, "Even if it costs Manet It is impossible for all the works to be auctioned together for more than 1 francs! No, they may not even be worth 5000 francs.”[1]

"Fifty thousand francs."

"Then there's no way."

"I can increase the price to 5000 francs at most, I really can't go any more."

There is a huge information gap between Kawei and other people, and there is also a huge information gap between Kawei and modern people who understand art. If he had known that more than a hundred years later, this painting of a boy playing the flute was sold for an exaggerated price of 8 million yuan, he might not even have given the other party a chance to talk.

"Huh? What, you changed your mind?"

"There's an introduction next to the painting, and I just happened to be interested and took a closer look." Kavi put down his glass, "This is the fate I was talking about before."

Melanie gave the pipe to the servant and concentrated on playing with the little Guise in her arms: "Dr. Carvey's vision is really unique. "Young Lady Sitting on the Bench" and "Thatched House in Normandy" were selected for the 64 edition. Compared with the official salon in 65, it is infinitely better."[2]

What she said is indeed true. Morisot was one of the very few female painters to be selected by the Salon. With her outstanding works, she broke the shackles of the organizer's gender bias, and then gained the qualification to join the ranks of first-class painters.

While other Impressionist masters were being severely beaten by the official rules of the game, her works have been selected for official Salon exhibitions since 64.

After being recommended by the official salon, these two paintings were much better than other unsuccessful works, and the prices naturally increased.

"I'd like to buy them for 1000 francs a pair, if you like."

Unlike the flute-playing boy with strong personal desires, Kawei’s asking price was not high, but it was a relatively fair price for the painting itself. If they had really fetched a high price, these two paintings wouldn't be hanging here and might have changed hands long ago.

"My psychological price is 3000 francs." Morisot didn't hide anything and was as innocent as a child. "But if you are willing, I am willing to use these two paintings, plus 5000 francs, to purchase Mr. Manet's work."

“Are you crazy???”

Melanie's high-pitched voice made Keith tremble. He kicked his legs back and struggled to jump away, but she forcefully pulled him back into his arms: "More than ten thousand francs, just for this painting?"

However, Kawei was even crazier and ignored the other party's offer: "No, I only buy paintings."

Melanie's hand stroking the rabbit's fur became harder and harder: "Forget it, you two, let's make trouble. I have this time, so I might as well take care of others."

The three-person conversation turned into a two-person interview, and the price changed during the debate. In the end, Carvey successfully bought the two paintings at a price of 1800 francs each, and successfully booked the next work that would successfully enter the official salon with a deposit of 1000 francs. This successful transaction attracted a lot of attention.

Among them were two well-known big shots. They took a fancy to Kawei's property and his strange vision for entering the art world. They pestered Melanie as soon as she left the conversation, hoping to introduce them to her at any cost.

"Dr. Carvey, is it over?"

"Well, she is really a difficult girl, but this also reflects my vision from the side." Kawei raised the red wine glass, "Everything is over, I am very satisfied with the current price."

"If you still have time, you might as well get to know other people." Having said that, Melanie was not going to give him multiple choice questions, and directly sent the two men behind her to the sofa, "This is Adolf Gu Pierre, and Paul Durand-Ruel."

No need to ask, just the way they sit betrays their identity, and as soon as they open their mouths, a typical businessman aura hits them.

"Dr. Carvey, nice to meet you."

"You two want to do painting business with me?"

"If it's just a painting business, it might be more suitable for Mr. Durand-Ruel."

Gupil refused the cigarettes and wine offered by the servants and sat upright, always leaning on his beloved cane in one hand. There was no contempt in his smile, but absolute confidence in money: "My business scope will be wider. It involves old-style furniture, high-end artworks from the Renaissance, and medieval ivory and sculptures.”[3]

Durand-Rue is indeed not as wealthy as him, he is just an ordinary art dealer with a keen sense of smell.

Being teased like this, he still kept smiling: "Of course I can't compare with Mr. Goupil. Your family business is spread all over Europe, with branches in The Hague, Brussels, London, Berlin, and of course Paris. As for me, Usually I just focus on Paris, and sometimes I can find some special paintings.”

The two exchanged a few words of flattery and summarized the characteristics of their respective businesses. After laying the groundwork, the next step is the key point.

Gupil just sent an invitation letter: "I have met you at the auction before. I am also one of the sponsors and have provided many lots. I have a gallery in the Opera Square, Montmartre Avenue, and Chaptard Road. There is an art exhibition hall. If you are interested, you can come and take a look. ”

The implication is obvious, I have a lot of good things, come and buy them quickly.

Carvey took the folded cardboard letter, which was sealed with a wax seal. "Dr. Carvey Friedrich Hines" was written in the middle, and in the lower right corner was the gilded word "Gupil Family". Look. Dressed quite formally.

"It's a pity that I have to leave Paris in a week, and I have to deal with Mr. Georges Bizet's throat cancer. In terms of time," Kawei thought of a compromise, "How about I find a client."

Gupil quickly answered, "I have many trading agents in my hands, and they can be fully responsible for your trading matters."

Kawei didn't answer, but replied: "Can they know my preferences?"

"A new collection book is produced every year, just like the Drouot auction house. If you need it, it can be mailed directly to your home." Gupil knew that he was impatient. "Of course, there is no problem with attending the exhibition as a private agent, as long as there is Your handwritten letter of authorization and this invitation letter will suffice.”

Kavi nodded, reaching a consensus with him.

After saying what needed to be said, Gupil stood up and left, with no intention of continuing the conversation. For an international businessman like him to personally send an invitation is a sincerity. This sincerity will further influence Durand-Ruel around him, making him more respectful.

It’s hard to say how much of this kind of respect is true and how false.

It wasn't until he saw Goupil walking into the crowd of several painters that Durand-Ruel cursed softly in his mouth: "Humph, you are a fool who has no taste and only engages in robber business."

"Huh? Mr. Durang, what did you just say?"

"Oh, nothing, nothing."

Du Lang only has a small gallery that was expanded from a stationery store left by his father. He is more like a junk dealer than an art dealer. There is a lot of self-deprecation in it, but in the face of Gupil's big business, it is appropriate.

When he approached Kawei, he was far from as calm as he showed: "I have recently acquired some good paintings, and several of them are on display here. If Dr. Kawei is interested, then."

From the Drouot auction to the cafe, and then to Melanie's salon, Kawei felt the difficulties of the painter. The whole of Paris supports many painters, but only a very small number are really outstanding. Apart from them, other painters have to promote their paintings except for financial support.

The same goes for the small art dealers who circle around them. The difference between buying low and selling high depends on their sense of smell, taste, poor information and luck. If all else fails, you will have no choice but to seize every opportunity to sell.

Durang falls into this category.

I collected a few seemingly cheap paintings but couldn't sell them. Seeing that the financial chain was about to be broken, I had to look for people everywhere to replenish my blood.

Kawei looked at the time and agreed for Melanie's sake.

One is "The Estuary of the Seine at Honfelle", a work Monet completed two years ago. It was exhibited in the official salon and received good reviews. Because of his poor life, he had to sell this painting for 2000 francs. 【4】

"Later it passed into my hands." Durang said, "If you like it, I will sell it to you for 1800 francs."

Kawei nodded and looked at the next picture "Miss Romain Laco": "This is." [5]

"Oh, a young artist painted a sketch for the daughter of a friend of mine." Du Lang said, "Their family went bankrupt, so the painting came into my hands to pay off debts. Now it seems that young people's techniques are still immature. How about some, 700 francs?”

It was so cheap and the painting was quite decent. Kawei couldn't help but be tempted, but he still couldn't let go. When the last picture appeared, he finally made up his mind.

"We've been talking about this painting for a long time, and it went back and forth for more than ten years." Du Lang didn't mean to deceive Kawei, but just did what a businessman with artistic taste should do, "When I received it, it was 1000 francs, I’ll give you the original price if you want it.”

"They are all quite good paintings, although they are still lacking in details and techniques. Just treat them like making friends."

Carvey first gave a basic evaluation, then pulled Durang back to sit on the sofa, and suddenly the conversation changed: "I can buy all three paintings for a price of 3000 francs. How about that?"

(End of this chapter)