PART III

Chapter 25

The Air France jet touched down on schedule. Caroline Shaw was in charge of the delivery and Ron Hellstrom was there to guarantee that all went well. Although well armed, Big Ron, as they called him felt that nothing would happen to their precious cargo.

He had accompanied Caroline to Europe and back many times these past few years. Since the war great art treasures had been unearthed in many countries and people were ready to donate their inheritances to good museums in lieu of taxes.

A Collection of Matisse and Another of Picasso

Today's shipment consisted of two major donations. One was a collection of drawings by Henri Matisse, done in the 1920's. They were a gift of the Rothschild family in London. The second was a Picasso portrait of Gertrude Stein, left to the Metropolitan Museum by Miss Stein herself. This, thought Miss Stein, was a guarantee that the greatest possible audience could admire a painting she looked at daily for 40 years.

Caroline and Ron watched the fork lift deposit the wooden crate in the waiting truck. The trip from Kennedy to Central Park would take at least an hour. The truck, owned by Brinks had its own body guards and steel plated armor but Caroline and Ron followed closely behind in a museum car.

As usual, there were no problems along the way and at precisely five PM the huge doors opened at the receiving dock of the museum and the treasured paintings were safely inside. Caroline and Ron had completed their task. Tomorrow would be another day.

The Meeting Is Called to Order

Precisely at 11AM, Betty Curry, the museum's attractive curator called the meeting to order. Present were Caroline Shaw, Marry Fuller, the aquisitions director, Mel Fryman the head of cleaning and restoration and Dr. Jean Michaud the world class expert in detecting forgeries. He had been trained at the Jeu De Paume in Paris and had many successes.

As was her habit, Betty Curry used only family names. The formality did not detract from her success in molding a team of devoted experts.
"I thank you all for being prompt. Thanks to Miss Shaw, we have a small but valuable acquisition which must be attended to. She turned to Mel.

"Mr.Fryman, may I inquire about your schedule. When can you examine the contents?"
"Actually, I am just completing a Titian. It should be ready for you by Tues next."
"Then you and your staff can begin working on today's shipment at that time." It was a statement rather than a question.
"Absolutely," Fryman replied, removing his unlit pipe from his teeth.

There was no smoking in many parts of the building.

Starting with Picasso

"I suggest we start with the Picasso," Betty suggested. It's over 40-years-old and hung in a gas-lit room. It might require cleaning. The Matisse drawings were never hung and kept in a Rothschild vault. I'd venture they are in excellent condition."

Then she turned to Jean Michaud.

"I asked you to come along today to personally look at the Picasso. It is an era that you are familiar with. It is quite valuable and should have a proper new frame."

"Just how much do you estimate its worth?" from Caroline.

Betty checked her notes. "We figure that $400,000 US or perhaps $450,000considering Miss Stein's contribution, Picasso's friendship with her and his reputation. I'm sure it will increase in value over the next few years and," she added, "Picasso won't live forever. He's not a young man."

Caroline interjected." He's not very old and Picassos are not selling well these days. People seem to have lost interest in him since he became a Communist."
"Oh, that's true," Betty agreed, "but buyers are fickle and dealers will drive up the prices out of greed. They know how. But, never mind. The portrait has found a new home and we must treat it with kindness."

Treating Works of Art with Kindness

Since she arrived at the MET in 1944 she was always saying that works of art should be 'treated with kindness.' She turned to Jean Michaud. He was a man in his late sixties who carried the scars of time and the events of the previous years in war torn France. He wore a grey lab coat covered in stains and small rimless glasses that were precariously balanced on his pointed nose.

"And you, Dr. Michaud. What is occupying you these days?" As if she didn't know. Betty Curry knew what every member of her staff was doing at all times. It is what gave her the edge.

"I am presently at liberty (he pronounced it libertay), as you say. I am free to look at the Picasso right away. I hoped you would ask me. When I was in Paris, many years ago, I was invited to Miss Stein's famous atelier and had the opportunity to see her entire collection which, of course, included the magnificent golden brown portrait".

"So much the better," said Betty. "Get started when you can. And, Good Luck. "

The meeting was over.

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