Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 340: Artworks with a story are the best!
Paul Durand-Ruel, Paris’s most famous art dealer, sensed an opportunity.

He was not only one of the main patrons of the Impressionist movement, but his gallery was also a dream destination for many emerging painters.

By purchasing this painting, one can bring a rising star under their wing and establish a connection with Lionel...

He personally visited Paul Gauguin, and his attitude was even more enthusiastic than that of Charpentier: "Three thousand francs!"

Duran-Ruel held up three fingers, his eyes gleaming: "Not only that, I'd also like to host a solo exhibition for you, right here in my gallery!"

Imagine, all the art lovers in Paris will know you!

This condition nearly broke down Paul Gauguin's psychological defenses.

The dual allure of money and fame made him tremble slightly with excitement.

Just before Gauguin was about to sign his name on the contract that Durand-Ruël had prepared, a new competitor emerged.

A representative from the Aflushi family of Odessa has joined the competition.

This banking family is renowned for its collection of cutting-edge European art, so the price was quickly driven up to 4 francs.

Immediately afterwards, Sofia Ivanovna Durova-Sherbatova, a noblewoman from Russia, also appeared in Gauguin's studio.

At this time, Gauguin's studio was no longer as deserted as before; it had become a battlefield without gunpowder.

Sofia didn't even look closely at the painting that had sparked the dispute—she didn't really understand the wild brushstrokes and glaring colors.

Moreover, it was a painting of Lionel's new play... She remembered the hint from the noblewoman before she came, and gritted her teeth.

However, Sofia could also understand the looks in the eyes of the others present, and she could understand the meaning behind the painting.

The price of a work of art depends not only on its artistic merit, but also on the story that people can tell with it.

"Thunderstorm" is a painting that can be used to tell a story; it's hard to say how much it will be worth in the future.

After repeated bidding, Sofia lost her patience.

She raised her hand: "Gentlemen, we don't need to engage in this pointless tug-of-war anymore."

Her gaze swept over the representatives of the Durand-Ruel and the Evrucci family, finally settling on the flushed Paul Gauguin.

She parted her red lips slightly and announced a number: "2 francs."

The studio fell into a deathly silence.

Paul Gauguin was struck as if by lightning, and he stumbled back a step, crashing into the easel behind him with a loud bang.

He suspected there was something wrong with his ears.

2 francs? That's equivalent to 10 years' salary for a civil servant! That's 10 times the price of Monet's highest-priced painting to date!
It is even comparable to the masterpieces of some academic masters!
Paul Gauguin's voice was hoarse: "You...you mean..."

Sofia repeated herself, her tone flat: "2 francs, cash payment."

She spoke as if it were a trivial trinket: "The transaction can be completed today."

No one is competing with her anymore.

This price has gone beyond reason; it has become a declaration of wealth.

Duran-Ruel shrugged, gave a helpless smile, and left first.

The Averruci family representative also politely took his leave, clearly finding the game too crazy.

The transaction was completed quickly.

Sophia's maid counted the banknotes, while Paul Gauguin, as if in a trance, watched as the painting "Thunderstorm" was carefully taken down and wrapped.

After Sophia left with the painting, Paul Gauguin stood alone in his studio, looking at the neatly stacked pile of 2 francs on the table.

He still felt it was all too real, and even pinched his arm; the sharp pain told him it wasn't a dream. "2 francs… 2 francs… I want to resign! I want to resign! I'm going to find that moon Lionel gave me!"

Paul Gauguin finally made up his mind!
------

The news spread like wildfire throughout Paris.

Le Figaro dedicated its front page to this "unprecedented deal," using headlines that were the height of exaggeration:
The Triumph of Impressionism! A Russian noblewoman spends a record-breaking 20,000 francs on Gauguin's "Thunderstorm"!

The article details the bidding process, describing Sofia's move as "a storm from the north," and comments:

This not only marks the birth of a new painter, but also signifies that Impressionist paintings have officially entered the ranks of top-tier collectibles...

All of this is inextricably linked to Lionel Sorel's yet-to-be-performed play, *Thunderstorm*.

The entire Parisian art world and high society were shaken; in salons, banquets, clubs…

People are talking about the painting worth 2 francs, about the lucky painter Gauguin, and about the Russian noblewoman who spent the fortune.

Of course, much of the discussion revolves around Lionel Sorel and his play "Thunderstorm".

What kind of drama could inspire a painter to create a work worth 2 francs?

What kind of power could make a Russian noblewoman spend money like water for this?
Public anticipation for "Thunderstorm" reached its peak.

The lines at the box office of the Comédie-Française were even longer; not only for the premiere, but tickets for the first five performances were sold out within hours.

Dean Emile Perrin was all smiles every day, as if he could already see the treasury filled with francs.

When Lionel attended Zola's party, this topic inevitably came up.

Maupassant spoke with great enthusiasm, as if he had witnessed it firsthand: "Twenty thousand francs! My God, Léon! That Russian woman is absolutely insane!"

He waved his arms: "Just because it's a painting of your play? Is it too late for me to switch careers and learn to paint?"

Zola, on the other hand, was relatively calm. He smoked his pipe and analyzed, "This is not just about artistic value; Sophia did not buy a painting."

She was making a gesture that she and her family had already gained entry into the core art and social circles of Paris.

Madame Rothschild started it all, then smashed the door open with francs.

Lionel nodded silently; Zola's analysis was largely consistent with his deductions.

Sophia gained entry into the upper echelons of Parisian society through her "duel" with Madame Rothschild—though she lost.

Even her joining the bidding war was orchestrated by Mrs. Rothschild, who forced her to spend lavishly and maintain a "sucker" attitude.

Sofia's unexpected purchase of works related to Lionel is also a humble gesture from a "subordinate."

This not only represents Sofia putting aside her grievances with Lionel, but also proves that she is willing to submit to the "order" of the Parisian aristocratic circle dominated by Madame Rothschild.

The cause may be related to the assassination of Tsar Alexander II by members of the People's Will party on March 13 this year, which led to political instability in Russia.

After Tsar Alexander III ascended to the throne, he strengthened his autocratic power and declared a state of emergency.

However, the revolutionaries within Russia did not cease their assassinations, and the entire country was shrouded in gloom.

The Shcherbatov family had been planning to move to Paris, and Sofia's willingness to make such a big concession was likely due to pressure from the family.

Thinking about this, Lionel felt a headache coming on. He shrugged and said, "Art is art, and social life is social life. Okay, let's talk about something else!"

------

Just as all of Paris was buzzing about the priceless painting, an American quietly landed in Paris and brought Lionel unexpected "help".

(End of this chapter)