Save Myself From Desperation novel Chapter 214

Joseph rose from the sofa, asking, "Noah, what painting did you receive again?"

Noah quickly motioned for his assistant to come forward.

The assistant carefully held a box and opened the lid, revealing an ancient painting inside.

"Ms. Ramos, sorry for the sudden intrusion." Noah took the painting from his assistant and approached Ashley. "Our auction house's eight appraisers couldn't determine its authenticity. So, we brought it to you for a look."

Ashley's grandfather, a former top-tier master in landscape oil painting, created notable works and amassed a collection of renowned artworks. Growing up surrounded by paintings, she developed a deep love and profound understanding of oil painting under his guidance.

Upon seeing the painting in Noah's hands, Ashley walked over.

It was a masterpiece titled Moon in the Mountains by the artistic genius Thomas Willis.

The painting exhibited signs of aging, displaying a distinguished patina and visible craquelure, and it was on a linen canvas.

Joseph clicked his tongue and said, "This painting looks old. If it's a real deal by Thomas, it must be worth at least 20 million dollars."

Noah frowned, "In theory, yes, but our appraisers couldn't confirm its authenticity. Ms. Ramos, what do you think?"

Ashley stared at it for a while and shook her head. "It's fake."

"What? Ashley, how did you figure that out so quickly?" Joseph was astonished.

Ashley smiled slightly as she explained, "Although this painting looks old, you can tell it's deliberately aged by examining the canvas."

"Deliberately aged?" Joseph was puzzled.

Ashley nodded, pointing at the center of the painting. "The lines of the mountain peaks here don't align with Thomas' typical style of depiction. Also, look at the blue here. It should blend slate and azure, but it appears lighter than usual, right?"

Mixing slate and azure was basically Thomas' signature.

Ashley analyzed. "This painting is likely a modern imitation deliberately aged using varnishes or glazes to simulate the effect and give it a slightly yellowed or aged appearance. The imitator did a good job, making it look authentic."

Joseph listened in amazement. "Ashley, you're amazing! How do you know all this? I didn't even realize there was so much expertise involved."

Noah felt relieved. "Thank you, Ms. Ramos. With your explanation, I now have a clear understanding."

Ashley smiled, "You're welcome."