After Xiao Ran completely cleaned up "Portrait of a Clown", Peggy and Pierre immediately swarmed over and excitedly began to appreciate and appraise this top-notch work of art.
As for the identification results, there is no need to ask.
This is exactly the world-famous painting that Picasso created during his pastoral period, around 1971.
During that period, Picasso's artistic style changed again and he began to reinterpret the art of masters from various schools.
At the time, this shift in Picasso's style was viewed by many as the erotic fantasies of a powerless old man, a hasty work from a man who was past his prime.
After Picasso's death, people gradually changed their views and believed that his change in artistic style was a precursor to Neo-Expressionism.
The paintings he created during his pastoral period have also become more and more precious!
What is reflected in this painting is the fusion and mix and match of various artistic styles. It may seem chaotic, but it has its own charm!
Looking at the "Portrait of a Clown" in front of them, everyone at the scene had their eyes shining with admiration.
Without exception, each of them wished they could snatch the painting directly and make it their own.
As for the Dutch who were looted by McCann and the others, no one cared at all and seemed to have forgotten them.
While admiring it, everyone was also discussing it enthusiastically.
"Didn't the Romanian thieves who looted the Consol Museum in the Netherlands in 2012 say that all seven of the stolen top paintings were burned? I didn't expect these paintings to be hidden in Philadelphia."
"Obviously, those Romanian art thieves were lying, and what's even more surprising is that they were actually employed by these two guys, McCann and Miles."
Thomas said in surprise.
Before he finished speaking, Falgot immediately continued:
"Before this, many people believed that these seven top works of art were burned by the mother of one of the Romanian thieves."
“Since the theft of these seven top works of art, there have been many stories surrounding them, full of violence and killing!”
"Just last year, a European billionaire, Constantine, known as the 'Luxury Baron', was allegedly murdered because of these seven paintings!"
"There are many works of art among Constantine's relics, but the police did not find these paintings. No one knows where these paintings went?"
"Now it seems that the people who murdered Constantine last year may be these two guys, McCann and Miles!"
"Wow!"
There was an exclamation of exclamation from the scene.
Xiao Ran smiled softly and continued to admire the painting.
After admiring it for a while, he looked back and prepared to take the next step.
At this moment, Timothy suddenly walked over, pulled him aside, and whispered expectantly:
"Sean, when we go back to negotiate with the Dutch, can you keep Picasso's "Portrait of a Clown"?"
"If you can keep this painting in your hands, our museum is willing to trade with you."
“Although our museum has several works by Picasso, it only lacks paintings from his pastoral period. I don’t want to miss this great opportunity!”
Xiao Ran looked at this guy, then smiled and whispered:
"I don't dare to vouch for this, Timothy."
"You must know that the Dutch Triton Foundation, as the original owner of this painting, has the right of priority to trade."
"If the conditions they offer satisfy me, I will give priority to trading with them."
"Unless they fail to meet my conditions, it will be someone else's turn."
"In fact, I also like this pastoral period painting by Picasso and want to own it."
Hearing this, Timothy couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.
Immediately afterwards, this guy whispered:
"As far as I know, there are few top-notch Chinese antiques in the collection of the Dutch Triton Foundation."
"From this point of view, it is difficult for them to meet your transaction requirements, but our museum can"
"One more thing, after the shocking robbery in 2012, the Triton Foundation suffered heavy losses."
"They probably don't have the strength to make a deal with you. They will most likely choose to take back half of the stolen antique art. The other half of the stolen antique art will naturally belong to you!"
"In this case, you may be able to keep this Picasso masterpiece, and we will also have a chance!"
Hearing this, Xiao Ran immediately let out an exclamation.
"Wow! You guys really tried all your tricks just for this "Portrait of a Clown""
"We'll see what happens then. If I can get this famous painting, I wouldn't mind trading with you."
After chatting for a few more words, they ended the topic.
Next, Xiao Ran walked straight to Yi Lian and whispered to her:
"My dear, I'll leave it to you to clean up the next painting."
"Just like I did just now, you go clean the Impressionist painting next to you. You must do it gently. It doesn't matter if you go slower."
"According to my observation, there is most likely another stolen Impressionist work hidden under that Impressionist painting."
As he spoke, he pointed to the oil painting placed on an easel nearby.
As he said, it was an impressionist oil painting, but it was painted by McCann, and it was not popular at all!
Following the direction of his finger, Elaine immediately looked at the painting.
At the same time, her eyes shone with excitement.
"Okay, honey, I can go clean that painting up. It'll be fun."
"I will be careful not to damage the stolen painting hidden underneath."
"You leave this to me, what are you going to do yourself?"
Xiao Ran nodded and then explained:
"I'm going to meet the Polish ambassador and the Italian cultural attaché."
"They are all waiting in the public area of the museum. I have to go and say hello."
"And they are all potential trading partners, so we cannot ignore them!"
"OK, dear"
Elaine nodded in response.
Then, she took out a pair of gloves from the box and put them on, eager to try them out.
Xiao Ran explained a few words to Peggy and the others, explaining the reason for his temporary departure.
Naturally, no one will object, and it is useless to object.
Afterwards, Xiao Ran took David and Timothy out of the exhibition hall and walked towards the public area of the museum.
In a moment, they had entered the public rest area of the museum.
Since the museum is closed today, there are no tourists here, only representatives from all parties.
Among them were the Polish Ambassador to the United States and his team, as well as the cultural counselors of Italy and the Netherlands.
These guys gathered together in small groups and were discussing angrily. Their expressions were not very good!
As Xiao Ran and the others arrived, these guys immediately stopped talking and rushed up one after another.
Before they could get closer, Xiao Ran smiled and said loudly:
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, I'm Sean, nice to meet you all, thank you for your long wait."
"We have a lot of things to do today and have been busy, so we didn't come to meet you until now."
"Let me tell you in advance, I won't be able to stay here for long. I will go back soon to appraise the stolen antiques and artworks."
"Next, I will meet with everyone one by one. If you have any demands, it is best to speak out bluntly, without beating around the bush."
Hearing this, everyone at the scene nodded and felt helpless.
Next, Timothy also introduced himself and said hello to everyone present.
This is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and he is the host, so he naturally has to deal with representatives from all parties.
After a few polite words, the Polish ambassador who was the first to greet him immediately got down to business.
"Sean, our Polish government issued a public statement yesterday asking you to return Raphael's "Portrait of a Young Man" as soon as possible."
“As we all know, Raphael’s Portrait of a Young Man is a national treasure of Poland and the most important artwork that we looted during World War II.”
"Since the end of World War II, until now, we have been looking for this national treasure for decades, and we have never given up!"
"Now that this national treasure-level artwork has finally appeared and been discovered by you, you should return it as soon as possible."
Xiao Ran looked at the Polish ambassador, then smiled and said:
"Mr. Ambassador, this joint operation was initiated and led by our company. This must be explained."
“We are a treasure hunting company, always profit oriented, not a charity!”
"In other words, the interests of our company must be guaranteed. This is the prerequisite for us to reach cooperation."
"There is no such thing as a free lunch. This truth is very simple. I think everyone knows it!"
"ah!"
The Polish ambassador and others all exclaimed and froze on the spot.
Their expressions changed instantly and became very ugly.
Representatives from other parties present at the scene also looked bad.
These guys instantly understood that there was absolutely no advantage to be taken advantage of today!
If you want to get back those stolen antiques and artworks that originally belonged to your own museum or country, I'm afraid it's not that simple, and you will have to pay a high price.
Before the Polish ambassador could respond, Xiao Ran continued:
"At the beginning of the joint operation, our company reached an agreement with the FBI Art Crime Unit, and the disposal rights of all stolen antique artworks were in our hands."
“All the unowned and stolen antique artworks belong to our company, and half of the remaining stolen antique artworks with provenance belong to us.”
"Some people may say that those are stolen antiques and artworks, and they should be returned to the owners and victims!"
"But I'm very sorry. We are a treasure hunting company. We launched this joint operation for profit, not for charity."
"In the treasure hunting industry in the United States, this is a recognized rule, and no one can change it. What happened in the United States, you must also abide by this rule."
"ah!"
With an exclamation, everyone at the scene was dumbfounded.
Immediately afterwards, many people had a look of anger in their eyes.
But they could only endure it and did not dare to attack for the time being.
Looking at the Polish ambassador and others, they were even more gnashing their teeth with hatred.
"Sean, the rules you mentioned may not apply to Raphael's "Portrait of a Young Man""
"As we all know, this painting was stolen by the German NZ Gestapo and is a legacy of World War II."
"As a victor in World War II, Poland has the right to take back this priceless treasure according to relevant agreements."
Hearing this, Xiao Ran smiled and shook his head.
"Mr. Ambassador, I know what you are talking about, but we are not a government agency, but a private company."
"Our interests must be protected, there is no doubt about that!"
"Another point is that Raphael's "Portrait of a Young Man" has a very special situation."
"It is not entirely up to us to decide how to deal with this priceless treasure. The cultural department of the U.S. government will definitely get involved..."
Not surprisingly, the faces of the Polish ambassador and others suddenly became even more ugly, as if their biological father had died!
Anyone who is not an idiot can understand the meaning of Xiao Ran's words!
Obviously, the US government is interested in this priceless treasure!
If the U.S. government wants to keep this priceless treasure, what else is there to do with Poland?
Thinking of this, the Polish Ambassador and others suddenly felt as if they were mourning for their heirs!
At this moment, Nick's excited voice suddenly came from the intercom.
"Sean, I have good news for you. I have made a new discovery."
"Elaine just discovered Monet's "Waterloo Bridge," the Impressionist painting you pointed out."
Before he could even finish his words, the scene exploded.
Representatives from all parties present at the scene all looked at Xiao Ran, their eyes full of envy, jealousy and hatred!
Monet "Waterloo Bridge"
