Deciding to Meet with Art Collectors
He called a couple of old art collectors who knew his case and could offer a clue into this situation. These collectors had been building relationships with artists, appraisers, and galleries for years so knew that sort of emotional complexity attached to significant art discoveries. In a way, he wanted them to guide him in making an informed decision over the painting.
During his presentations, he told them the story of how he chanced upon the painting at a yard sale, how from being a casual buyer he became an accidental art enthusiast, and how he was now between a rock and a hard place. The collectors listened with rapt attention, giving him both admiration for his discovery and compassion for his conflicted emotions. They knew that owning a valuable piece was all about personal attachment as much as it was a matter of financial advantage.
Some collectors shared with him their stories of searching for artworks and telling him how they had coped with such occasions. They encouraged him to reflect on his attachment to the piece and think about how he could honor both the artist and his experience. Such talks left him inspired and calmer, reminding him that there was no right or wrong decision except the one that felt truest for him.
