Complete the Transaction

After the two appraisal experts finished discussing the matter, Vincent hurriedly asked, "Mr. Fred, I wonder if you've reached a conclusion?"

Fred nodded. "We unanimously believe that this work is indeed an authentic Da Vinci!"

Hearing Fred's conclusion, Vincent was overjoyed. However, he didn't lose his head. Since this was an appraisal, regardless of whether they were right or wrong, they had to provide the corresponding reasons. He hurriedly asked, "Mr. Fred, could you explain your reasoning?"

"Of course!"

Fred smiled and said, "I'll start with painting techniques. First, you may have heard that, based on the idea that 'all our knowledge originates from perception,' Da Vinci analyzed the relationship between painting and reality. He pointed out that nature was the source of painting, while painting was an imitator of nature."

"Furthermore, he elaborated: 'A painter's mind should be like a mirror, transforming itself into the color of its subject and faithfully capturing the images of every object placed before it. You must understand that if you are not a versatile master capable of artistically reproducing every form in nature, then you are not a skilled painter.' In other words, painting reflects nature as it exists in the painter's mind and reproduces it through artistic means."

At this point, Fred pointed to the oil painting on the table and said, "This work, Virgin and Child with Saint Anne and Saint John the Baptist, perfectly illustrates Da Vinci's point. It faithfully reflects the forms of all things in nature while combining them with rich imagination to create images that do not exist in nature."

"Secondly, Da Vinci vividly depicted each figure's clothing, expression, and movements, allowing each person's individual characteristics to be fully displayed... In addition, he passionately praised the eyes and vision..."

"Da Vinci also pioneered the sfumato technique. In