Acceptance Role of Custodian
The more he could think about it, the more he found himself embracing the role of custodian rather than owner. He realized it wasn’t his piece of art but part of history, traveling through time with the imprint of each touch that would have passed over it. He could be a custodian, ensuring its story unfolds, linking a past artist with the future.
This new outlook with itself brought the realization that ownership of art was not the problem but rather preservation and propagation of meaning. Thus, by showing care for the painting, he would fulfill the values of the artist and give it to those who maybe will be inspired by it. He realized himself as a bridge between the world of the artist and the present in which the story of the painting was kept alive.
With this relation surrounding the painting, a sense of purpose this man felt now was very different from before. He no longer treated it as something that just came across his way, but rather, as entrusted in his care-a gift, of sorts. In changing the way he felt about it, he even began to feel more proud over being included in history itself. Now, with this kind of sense of stewardship, he could have the peace of sleeping at night knowing well that his decision was not merely about his personal financial gain but more about honor and legacy.
