The painting was illuminated by a single spotlight.

"Thanks for meeting me."

The image depicts the Chaine des Alpilles, a small range of mountains visible from the Saint Paul de Mausole mental hospital in southern France.

Jones glanced over. "Never hurts to talk. What can I do for you Mister Smith?"

'Montagnes a Saint-Remy' was painted in the summer of 1889.

"My associate wishes to acquire this painting."

Vincent Van Gogh painted ‘Mountains at Saint-Remy’ when recovering from a mental collapse in the town of Saint Remy. The mountains and sky come alive from the use of heavy impasto, broad brushstrokes plus whatever intangible that VVG brought to the canvas.

"Quite frankly, Mr. Smith, I am no longer involved in acquisitions. If you wish, I can provide the names of two, perhaps three professionals qualified for a job such as this."

The building that exhibited this particular work of genius was located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Mr. Smith reached into his jacket and handed five black and white polaroids to Simon. "I'm afraid that my associate is unprepared to take 'No' for an answer."

Simon spread the photos out in his hands. Connor in his pram, Connor walking with his nanny in the park, playing on a jungle gym… Connor, his one year old son.

Simon Jones paused for no more than a beat. "Fine. I'll do the initial R we'll set up a meeting and finalize the details." Without offering his hand, he turned and walked out of the Guggenheim.