50s: Starting with a storage ring

Chapter 452 Counterfeit
Sun Zhiwei had no idea what the association members present were thinking; he just wanted to get through this assessment as quickly as possible.

After dealing with the introductions, Fernando began to explain the reasons for this assessment.

Because the committee members had differing opinions, this test was added in the hope that he could demonstrate his talents and gain everyone's recognition.

Then, Fernando opened the box on the table, took out the painting inside, and unfolded it on the table.

"It is called 'The Virgin, Child and Angels,' and is said to be an early work by the 15th-century painter Francisco. It was purchased and collected by the National Gallery in London in 1924."

"But in 1954, an almost identical painting appeared at an auction in London, so much so that the authenticity of both paintings was questioned."

"The National Gallery in London was unable to determine the authenticity of the painting for many years afterward."

"Now, they are extending invitations to authoritative art appraisal institutions around the world, hoping to identify the authenticity of the paintings."

"The painting just arrived in New York last week, and we urgently airlifted it from the Metropolitan Museum of Art yesterday."

At this point, Fernando didn't say anything more, but instead gave up the main seat to Sun Zhiwei, who was now the main character.

Sun Zhiwei did not show any courtesy, but instead slowly stepped forward and stood by the table.

He didn't touch it at first, but instead looked it over from top to bottom before looking up and asking.

"Gentlemen, what are the criteria for passing my assessment? Is it proving that this is an authentic work or a forgery?"

Upon hearing his words, everyone present burst into laughter.

After the painting arrived yesterday, they all examined it, but no one could find any clues to determine its authenticity.

As renowned appraisers, some of them are even veteran appraisal masters.

Even they couldn't tell the difference between the real and fake paintings, so they didn't think Sun Zhiwei could tell the difference.

When Sun Zhiwei asked his question, they just felt that the young man was energetic and dared to think and speak his mind, so they all laughed.

Indeed, the committee members present were mostly older, over 60 years old, and generally more than a decade older than Sun Zhiwei, so calling him a young man was not an exaggeration.

Unlike yesterday's meeting, which was a power struggle where everyone was unwilling to give in, this time it's an art appreciation session, and everyone has become more humble.

“Mr. James, as long as you can find any point of doubt that can be proven true or disproven.”

"Yes, as long as there are doubts, that's fine. As long as you can explain it logically, we don't need you to confirm it 100%. We will recognize your talent and welcome you to join us."

The speaker was the oldest member of the committee present, named Quinn Armstrong. He was a veteran appraiser, 72 years old, with a white beard but still very energetic.

As soon as he spoke, everyone nodded in agreement.

They all knew how difficult this appraisal was, and using this painting to test newcomers was a bit shameless, so no one mentioned what they said yesterday again.

As long as Sun Zhiwei's performance isn't too bad today, his eligibility to join the club is definitely secured.

Sun Zhiwei nodded upon hearing their words and then began his own appraisal.

He first opened his backpack and took out his identification tools: white gloves, magnifying glass, flashlight, tweezers, paperweight, ultraviolet lamp, cotton swabs, pure water, white paper, etc.

He neatly arranged all his tools beside him, used a paperweight to hold down the corners of the painting, and then began to carefully examine the details of the entire painting with a magnifying glass. He lingered particularly long on the areas where colors met, where paint blended, and on details such as the eyes, hair, eyelashes, and fingers, making a more detailed observation.

His movements were fluid and graceful, complex yet orderly, with seamless transitions between tools. Putting aside everything else, it looked incredibly professional.

The committee members watching nodded in approval of his appraisal methods. They couldn't see anything else yet, but at least they could tell that his basic skills were very solid.

Ten minutes later, the basic reconnaissance was over, and he began to conduct a second observation of several key locations.

This time he took out a small plate containing pure water and cotton swabs.

"Could I get a tiny bit of paint?"

This must be clarified. Sometimes the owner of a painting cherishes it so much that they are unwilling to have it appraised. The painting must not be damaged in the slightest, not even the paint can be lost.

"Yes, but the painting itself cannot be damaged."

"clear."

After receiving permission, Sun Zhiwei poured a small amount of pure water into a plate, then took out a row of cotton swabs, moistened each one with a little water, and then used absorbent paper to dry most of the water stains on the cotton swabs.

Then came the sampling. He used a semi-dry cotton swab to lightly dab the sample at a dozen or so locations he had selected before leaving.

After taking the samples, he first removed the plate and pure water to prevent them from being spilled and contaminating the painting. Then he put the cotton swabs under his nose one by one and started sniffing them.

After completing these actions, he kept three of the dozen or so cotton swabs in a small box and discarded the rest before straightening up.

Everyone thought he had finished his assessment, and Fernando was about to ask when Sun Zhiwei said to everyone, "Could you two gentlemen come out and help us?"

Upon hearing this, Fernando volunteered, "Tell me, how can I help?"

"I would like to ask the two gentlemen to help me stand the painting upright."

“This is easy.” Mr. Quinn stepped forward and, together with Fernando, carefully lifted one edge of the painting and stood it upright on the table.

Sun Zhiwei then stepped forward, took out an ultraviolet lamp from the table, placed it in front of the painting, and turned it on, while the others stood behind the painting.

As the ultraviolet light shines through, extremely fine yet clear scratches appear on the back of the painting.

The others followed his gaze and, of course, saw the scratches along with him. Most of them hadn't yet realized what they were, but old Quinn was the first to understand.

He sighed softly and said, "Sigh, young people still have ideas. Technological advancements are changing the tools appraisers use. We're getting old."

"Alright, that's enough. Thank you, Mr. Quinn and Mr. Fernando." The two nodded and gently placed the painting back on the table.

Only two people at the scene understood the meaning behind the lines in the painting: Sun Zhiwei and Old Quinn. Everyone quieted down and waited for their explanation.

Old Quinn said to Sun Zhiwei, "This is your assessment; you should explain your findings."

Sun Zhiwei nodded before explaining, "I found three flaws in this painting, which basically proves that it is a fake."

(End of this chapter)