How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Tourists and scholars alike stood shoulder to shoulder, heel to toe, gawking, waiting to see the place where a card had mysteriously appeared in the middle of the night. (15.34)
Visily Romani has turned con artistry into a legit art, as in, art that exists in a museum. The tourists and scholars are looking at and analyzing his act, and basically ignoring the paintings in the museum. If the public is the court of opinion, Romani has legitimized the art of the con.
Quote #8
"Purchased in 1946 by Veronica Henley herself, it is widely considered one of the most valuable works of art in the world--the most valuable, according to Mrs. Henley. When reporters asked her shortly before her death which piece she would rather have for her collection, this painting or the Mona Lisa, Mrs. Henley said, 'Let the Louvre keep Leonardo's lady; I have his angel.'" (24.50)
What is it about art that causes the super wealthy to get so attached to it? Mrs. Henley speaks of the painting as though it is her daughter, or at least a prized handbag chihuahua.
Quote #9
The Henley's least impressive collection had become Katarina Bishop's favorite. Maybe it was the simple brushstrokes, the subdued use of light. Or maybe Kat was simply drawn to the other paintings that hung in that room—the ones the tourists couldn't see. (31.44)
For a book that's so focused on art, our main character, Kat, doesn't seem to be too interested in the stuff. She's just into the art industry for the thrill of the chase.