You sometimes have those days when things somehow don't quite go the way you would want. Last Sunday was one of those days. Rain, cold, and not a mirror to be found. On top of that, my buddy, my mentor Bram, wasn't quite having his day either. I have never experienced it before, during one of our trips, that he wanted to go sit in the car because of the cold. With a disappointed expression on his face, he told me that I should just go walking around alone because he was fed up with it and wanted to warm up in the car. That was the last straw for me too. That's no fun.
I also hopped straight into the car and we drove off immediately. After getting the heater nice and warm and thoroughly enjoying the sausage rolls we brought along, the mood started to improve a bit already. So much so that we were able to put things into perspective again. “Then it wasn't meant to be!” is the wingèd phrase we always shout at each other whenever we see a good deal slip through our fingers. Or when it's too expensive. In this situation, that phrase applied once again.
Amid a lot of laughter, we decided to visit our final addresses anyway. This probably won't amount to anything either, but at least then you'll know for sure and won't have to worry about having missed out on anything. No sooner said than done. The first address had a gorgeous mirror. Luckily, we managed to find something after all. Quickly look for the seller and see if we can work something out. Finally found them, but you guessed it……..sold. Of course, that was to be expected. Then quickly off to the last address.
Laughing in the car as we discuss all the things we won't be able to buy later and reminiscing about wonderful stories from the past, we arrive at the last address. It's busy, of course. Shuffling one behind the other past all the goods on offer doesn't really help either. Almost automatically, I walk into a room I never normally go into. There's never anything in there for me. But now I was drawn to it, as it were. Lost in thought, I round the corner and then freeze in my tracks. A chill runs down my body. It's as if I'm dreaming and need to pinch myself. This is truly unbelievably gorgeous. Go get Bram, quickly!
I can't find him in the hustle and bustle. Where on earth is he? In the crowd I spot a grey little head. I try to wave him over as inconspicuously as possible, but because of the excitement that doesn't really work out. With a heart rate of 180, I try to make it clear to him that he needs to come along quickly. “What's the matter?” he asks in surprise. “Don't say anything, come with me!” I request him kindly and politely. With a surprised look on his face, he walks behind me. The moment he turns the corner, I see his eyes widen. As if he is seeing something incredible. Suddenly he takes off at a sprint and lets out a few swear words. “Damn……. this is magnificent!” he shouts.
Before us are the most beautiful portraits I have ever seen (outside a museum). They are pendants. A lady and a gentleman, and judging by the family crests, they are a count and a countess. The portraits are of exceptional quality and are set in magnificent, large, oval frames. The works are large. The subjects are elderly and look stately. The portraits are signed and dated 1890. What on earth would these cost?
Quickly search for the seller. I hope the price isn't too bad because this is such a beautiful piece. Bram has already indicated that you never come across this. He should know. Finally found the seller and cautiously I ask for the price. The seller looks at me guiltily and names a price that is very high for me. But the paintings are truly worth it and in that respect the price isn't too bad after all. I walk over to Bram, somewhat confused, and mention the price. It seems as though it's not as bad as he expected. The remark that you never come across these works makes me think.
The seller is someone with fair and reasonable prices. He is not the type to negotiate hard with. He comes over and Bram asks very cautiously if this is the absolute lowest price. I expect the seller to get annoyed, but nothing could be further from the truth. I notice that he genuinely wants us to have it. There is some restoration work needed on the frame, but everything else is of exceptional quality. The amount is a risk, but I notice that I have fallen “in love” with the portraits. There is a moment of silence and the seller makes a relaxed joke. “Shall we load them up?” he asks jokingly. He also knows it is a considerable investment for me. But I feel my heart winning over my mind. “F*** it! I'm doing it!” I shout, and before I even realize it, I am the owner of two fantastic works of art. I don't know whether I should be happy or if I've made a rash purchase. I feel warm inside and feel nauseous and happy. A strange kind of euphoric feeling takes hold of me. I see Bram laughing. The seller also has a smile on his face and I can tell he is happy for me. I never expected the day to take such a turn.
Now the real work is about to begin. We need to find out more about the painter. Given the quality of the works, this must be a very renowned craftsman. In addition, we need to try to trace the provenance. Who are the subjects portrayed? There are family crests on the portraits. These are important clues. Unfortunately, very little documentation can be found yet.
In short, a fun, intensive scavenger hunt that we will keep you updated on. Everything can be followed on the site and all our other channels.
