Becoming Rich with Daily Scavenging APP-Chapter 597: The National Treasure of the Netherlands

"The reason Van Meijeren's forged 17th-century paintings were difficult to identify at the time was mainly because he discovered a special technique back then."

The appraisal expert explained to Chen Yiyang and Schaefer, "Van Meijeren found that a new material called Bakelite, discovered in the 20th century and originally used for manufacturing electrical devices, could be used to harden the paint after application.

This way, the whole painting appears on the surface to have a history of three hundred years."

"So, do we need to wait for the laboratory's results on the paint analysis?" Schaefer asked.

"Not necessarily."

The expert noticed Schaefer's impatience and continued, "Paintings that are many years old often have many cracks and dust on their surface.

But the cracks in forged paintings are artificially created, which differ significantly from naturally formed cracks."

The expert said this while beginning to carefully observe the painting with a magnifying glass.

"Uh, why do the cracks and dust on this painting look uneven, not like they're artificially made?"

As the experts were discussing, the laboratory also provided the paint analysis results.

The paint on the painting Chen Yiyang brought does not contain any materials beyond its era, and doesn't include Bakelite material that Van Meijeren used for forgeries.

"Does this mean that the painting could indeed be an authentic Vermeer?"

After exchanging several glances, the experts became more serious.

Initially, they indeed thought the painting was a forgery.

But now it appears it's not that simple.

The experts then began various tests.

The painters of Vermeer's time had started using white lead as pigment.

But in the 17th century, lead was mined from lowland countries, and by the 19th century, most of the lead used in Europe was imported from Australia and the Americas.

The isotopic composition and trace element content of these two types of lead are completely different and cannot be forged.

Based on tests, the experts found that the paint on the painting Chen Yiyang brought is indeed 17th-century white lead, not 19th-century.

"Mr. Chen." The expert team looked at the painting with a headache.

Vermeer's reputation is substantial, and the number of paintings left is extremely scarce.

Any new Vermeer painting that emerges would cause a sensation in the entire art world.

Although there is now sufficient evidence to suggest this painting is indeed an authentic Vermeer.

They still don't dare to conclude easily and want to confirm once more.

"There is currently a technique called pb-210. This technique can be used to identify masterpieces forged with modern synthetic pigments.

Pb-210 is a naturally occurring and radioactive lead isotope, part of the Uranium-238 decay chain, with a half-life of approximately 22.3 years.

Thus, by measuring the secondary radiation emitted by Polonium-210 (Po-210), the content of Pb-210 in the pigment can be determined, and thereby deduce the Pb-210 content in the painting, roughly determining the painting's age with an accuracy within several years."

"Let's test this painting using this technology," Chen Yiyang directly stated, "I'll pay for all the costs."

Rome, being one of Europe's art centers, naturally has very comprehensive testing equipment.

With Chen Yiyang funding, the relevant technology and laboratory soon prepared everything to commence the testing.

"Brother, I feel like you've been kissed by the goddess of luck this time."

By this time, Schaefer already believed the painting was likely an authentic Vermeer.

"If this painting is indeed verified as an authentic Vermeer, how much can it sell for?" Chen Yiyang curiously inquired.

"How much?! This is a national treasure-level artwork." Schaefer replied to Chen Yiyang,

"Luckily, the painting is here in Italy now. If it were in the Netherlands, you probably couldn't take it away; the Dutch wouldn't let you walk off with their national treasure."

"Even a national treasure has a price in the capitalist world, right?" Chen Yiyang said.

"That's certainly true." Schaefer reviewed some information and then said, "Vermeer's paintings are too scarce, and the few existing ones are considered national treasures housed in museums, with no transaction records.

However, according to the auction situation of painters in the same tier as him, as long as this painting is confirmed as an authentic Vermeer, the starting price would be at least ten million euros, and if the bidding is intense, it could even approach a hundred million."

"That's certainly very valuable." Chen Yiyang nodded.

Four hundred thousand turned into ten million.

A turnover with a profit multiplied several dozen times.

Soon, the lab's test results came out.

According to the test of the relevant technology, the painting can be confirmed to have been created in Vermeer's era.

Moreover, Vermeer's name indeed hangs upon the painting.

Considering that in the era this painting was created, Vermeer wasn't yet famous, no one would have forged paintings using Vermeer's name.

It can basically be determined that this painting is indeed Vermeer's authentic work.

Along with the experts' conclusion, Chen Yiyang immediately pulled out funds and hired the best security team to protect the painting and began contacting the insurance company to insure it.

Although Chen Yiyang's actions were already swift.

However, given the sheer rarity of authentic Vermeer works.

The emergence of a painting almost confirmed as an authentic Vermeer prompted reporters from all directions to come rushing in.

Seeing this situation, Chen Yiyang decisively abandoned staying further in Rome and under the security team's protection, returned with the painting to Lin'an.

However, just after arriving in Lin'an.

Yang Chengru came looking, saying the Dutch government had also learned of this news and sent people over to negotiate whether they could meet with Chen Yiyang in person.

The Dutch government hopes strongly that the national treasure-level painter's work doesn't end up in foreign lands.

In response, Chen Yiyang could only promise to meet when he has the time.

He stored the painting in his home's collection vault.

Chen Yiyang first returned to his company to check if anything happened during his time outside the country.

"Business-wise, we haven't faced major troubles, but two middle managers from Yiyang Automobile got poached."

"Who poached them?"

Hearing the report, Chen Yiyang asked curiously.

His Yiyang Automobile is relatively late in entering the new energy field but offers very good treatment.

Previously, he was the one going around scouting talents from old car manufacturers for Yiyang Automobile.

How did someone manage to poach from his Yiyang Automobile?

"Uh, it's a new company. We don't know yet what the company name will be; we only know the project's name is the Hope Project."

"Sounds unlike a name that old companies would choose."

"Indeed." replied the subordinate, "The other party was originally involved in appliance manufacturing, their most famous product being the robot vacuum cleaner. Not sure if Mr. Chen has heard of the name Zuimi."

"I've heard of it." Chen Yiyang nodded immediately.