1986: My Happy Life in Provence

Chapter 337 The Dignity of Provence is Unshakeable!
The price war between Rodrigo and Ms. Sanson was too brutal.
In the final rounds, each bid for dried lavender flowers increased the price by 3 to 4 francs, making other buyers who could only bid 1000 francs less willing to participate.

However, Ms. Sanson's hesitation brought a pause to this thrilling price war, and some people finally realized what they were there for.

"Buyer number 60 has raised their paddle!"

Gabriel was the first to break the deadlock.

24 may be the upper limit for Ms. Sanson, but it is by no means the upper limit for a candy king who has nothing but money.

But Olivier, who had been battling with Gabriel for several rounds, did not touch the sign.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of his marriage to his wife Mitchell, and he wanted to buy her a gift to thank her for her companionship over the past 20 years.

But the current price has exceeded Olivier's expectations.

Gabriel's old rival Olivier didn't respond, but the international buyers in the third row made their move.

Previously, they were worried that prices were rising too slowly; now they are worried that prices are rising too fast!
One of the bidders in the bidding war, Ms. Sanson, the 17th buyer, seemed to be hesitant, but Mr. Rodrigo, the 25th buyer, looked confident and would definitely bid again.

But his asking price was too high.
International buyers hoped to bid ahead of him, gradually driving up the price until the local buyer also began to calculate the consequences of 'jumping the bid' and then quietly withdrew.

Although their increments were only 1000, they were quick to raise their paddles before Rodrigo, one after another, and the price soon reached 27 francs.

Rodrigo, who had failed to win the bid several times, temporarily stopped his offensive and whispered to his deputy, seemingly adjusting his bidding strategy.

The two privileged buyers calmed down temporarily, but once the price exceeded 27, most local and international buyers withdrew from the competition.

The current price has exceeded the market valuation by more than 50,000; investing any more would be a gamble.

Those still persisting on the field at this moment are the most powerful and wealthy among the most powerful and wealthy, such as Gabriel, as well as Swiss watchmakers, Italian olive grove owners, and Japanese Seibu Department Store.

"Number 60 has raised his placard!"

"Buyer number 131 added 1000!"

"Buyer number 60 has not given up!"

"Buyer number 89 has raised the bid again! The price is now 299669. Anyone else want to raise the bid?" Siskoya raised his hammer high, as if to remind everyone that he was about to bring it down.

Buyer number 60, Gabriel, found himself briefly facing a multi-player challenge, with only international buyers vying to raise their paddles against him.

Surprisingly, Olivier, who was in the same row, joined the game again after a few rounds.

"300669!" the auctioneer announced excitedly to the audience. "Buyer number 58 has pushed lot number 3 past the 30 franc mark. Is anyone else going to raise the price?"

Olivier nervously looked around.

30 francs was his last gamble.

He's going to do everything he can for his wife of 20 years!

In fact, 30 francs is also the upper limit for many other buyers.

This crucial figure has put many people in a dilemma.

The auctioneer's rapid-fire urging sounded like a war drum pounding in the hearts of the buyers present.

Do you want to continue?
Gabriel chuckled dismissively.

So you're afraid to add it now?

Just as he was about to raise his placard, Siscoa's aged voice rang out:
"301669! Let's thank buyer number 43 for their support!!"

Olivier put down the sign in frustration.

He has completely withdrawn from this competition.

“I’m sorry, Mitchell. I’ll find another gift for you.” Olivier muttered helplessly.

Gabriel, who was standing not far from him, also looked dejected.

Buyer number 43 is Ines.
Is the president also here to compete for the 'Lovebird' title?

The organizers will only notify the list of artists and collectors, and will not disclose who the competing collectors are.

When Gabriel met Ines at the venue, he kept praying that the president was there to film other works.

Ines has remained unmoved since filming began on 'Lovebirds,' much to Gabriel's delight.

Unexpectedly, the president still made a move.
Are you going to compete with the president?

As Gabriel was lost in thought, Ines leaned down, glanced at him through dozens of people, and gave him a 'meaningful' smile.

"I already have a low status in the Rosé Wine Association. If I compete with the president for something, I'll be expelled from the association soon. If I leave the Rosé Wine Association, how can I help Marini join?"

After considering the pros and cons, the Candy King put down his number 60 sign and withdrew from the competition.

Ines, who suddenly joined the team, took up Gabriel's 'banner'.

She engaged in a fierce battle with international buyers, essentially taking on multiple targets at once, and the price of the "Lovebirds" quietly reached 31 francs.

At this stage, even Italian olive grove owners hesitate for a few seconds before raising their placards, but this stern-faced woman seemed to have transformed into a ruthless placard-raising machine, displaying a "compete to the end" attitude.

In the first row, Day asked Normand, the curator next to him, with curiosity:

Why did Michelin magazine acquire so many works of art?

The Grané Museum and Michelin magazine have collaborated on several occasions, and Dai knew the editor-in-chief, who was known as the "devilish woman."

It was no secret that Ines had been making frequent appearances at auctions, and when they met today, Day couldn't help but ask her curator about it.

Curator Normand sighed:

"The penetration of capital into the art market is an irreversible fact. Michelin magazine should be making some moves in the art field. The Gold Art event is their signal to the Provence market."

In the 1980s, with the rise of neoliberal economic policies, capital sought safe havens and ways to increase its value, and artworks became an 'alternative asset' due to their scarcity and inflation-resistant properties.

Both in France and internationally, art is seen as a new asset allocation tool.

In the past three years, the Provence art market has experienced the most dramatic wave of capitalization in its history, with Van Gogh's works fetching a premium of 1250%, and other artworks also experiencing a 'creative boom'.

Three years ago, the experienced Normand could have predicted the selling price of each artwork with a margin of error of no more than 10%.

But by 1987, he could no longer understand the market.

Seeing that Curator Normand's brow was furrowed, Day asked in a low voice:
"Does Michelin Magazine cause us trouble?"

This newly emerged dark horse looks pretty strong.

Normand's voice sounded old:

“Dai, although I don’t understand the market anymore, I know that people who treat art as a commodity are unlikely to have the last laugh. Because in the face of true passion, art is priceless.”

Day smiled brightly:

"Take you for example!"

Curator Normand listened intently for a few seconds as the auctioneer announced the new price, then became serious:
"There must be others. Let's get ready, it's about to begin."

Although the competition between Ines and international buyers was fierce, the price increases were not high, and the price remained deadlocked at around 31 for a long time without any further progress.

Just when everyone thought a tug-of-war was about to begin, Ms. Sanson, who had been quiet for a long time, once again raised her dried lavender flowers.

The whole audience exclaimed.

Once the price reached 31, the price jumped by more than 6. This lady is amazing!

The auctioneer's voice rose in excitement once again:

"Buyer number 17 exercised her privilege, and the latest transaction price has reached 376402!"

Ms. Sanson's expression was no longer as composed as before.

This will be her last dance.
She hoped that the huge price increase would scare away other competitors, creating the illusion that she was determined to win, and forcing them to withdraw from the competition.

Ines looked at Ms. Sanson in the first row with a cold expression.

37 is beyond her limit.

Buyers No. 89 and No. 131, who had been battling with Ines for several rounds, also held an internal meeting with their teams.

The market value of the 'Lovebird' is only over 20 yuan, and they can barely accept it if it's over 30 yuan, but is there any need to fight for it at 37 yuan?
Seeing that signs 89, 131, and 43 were not raised for a long time, everyone knew that they had also withdrawn.

At this moment, everyone's eyes turned to Rodrigo, who had once engaged in a price war with Ms. Sanson.

However, a 'price jump' means the final price will reach a staggering 45 francs. Will this distinguished local collector still have the confidence to hold up dried lavender flowers?
Just as everyone held their breath to observe the situation of paddle number 25, paddle numbers 2 and 1 in the middle of the first row of the collectors' section were raised one after the other.

Ms. Sanson lowered her head in disappointment.

She didn't know the situation of the Princess of Monaco.

But Normand contacted her privately and expressed his determination to win over the "lovebird" no matter the cost.

It seems her determination is even greater than she imagined.
Ms. Sangsong couldn't help but turn her head to look at the very center of the first row.

In terms of financial resources, Normand is no match for the Princess of Monaco or the Japanese conglomerates.

Where does his confidence come from?
Mr. Normand, the holder of paddle number 2, smiled and glanced at the representative of Princess Monaco, who was holding paddle number 1.
"I thought you, like Miss Patricia, were here to observe."

Patricia briefly snapped out of her spectator mode and stuck out her tongue with a laugh.

I was watching very carefully!

The Princess of Monaco's representative, a middle-aged man, said apologetically:

"The budget sheet that the princess sent me with her butler had no numbers on it, only that said 'Please reserve it for Grace.' I'm sorry, Normand, I have to help the princess get it."

"Is there no budget limit?" Normand's brow furrowed unnaturally.

In fact, Normand wanted to use his funds to bid for the 'Lovebird', which is why he had been patiently waiting. His 'backup plan' might bring him trouble, and he really didn't want to use it unless absolutely necessary.

But competitors with no budget cap
Clinging to a last sliver of hope, he looked again at Rodrigo, who had yet to make a statement.

Rodrigo's hand was already on the dried lavender; that was his attitude.

But if the price were to jump again, it would reach over 45 francs, far exceeding Normand's application to the museum.

We can no longer afford to take chances.
The elderly curator suddenly stood up and leaned slightly forward towards the auctioneer, Siskoya:
“Dear auctioneer, I have applied for ‘performance rights’ in advance, and I wish to exercise these rights.”

The scene immediately descended into chaos, especially the international buyers' section in the third row.

Representatives from Japan's Seibu Group loudly voiced their protest:
"What kind of rule is this? This is an auction, why are we performing?"

Artists' Seating.

Ronan raised the same question.

What is performance right?
There were actually some people in the artists' section who knew about this issue.

While the Seibu Group was loudly protesting, a learned artist quietly shared some new knowledge with everyone.

“An artist once sang ‘La Marseillaise’ at an auction at the Palais des Papes in Avignon. Collectors in the audience stood up and sang along, and even representatives from the French Ministry of Culture excitedly raised their paddles. This act caused his work, which was estimated at only 25, to sell for 92 francs. In the same year, a female artist imitated his actions, not only singing ‘La Marseillaise’ but also revealing her tricolor patterned dress, which caused the work to increase in price from 12 to 40.”

After that, the Ministry of Culture issued new regulations, requiring both artists and buyers to "report their performance" in advance if they wanted to "speak" during the auction. Furthermore, if any artist sang "La Marseillaise" live after that, Debussy's "Clair de Lune" would be played simultaneously at the auction to balance the mood and prevent "irrational bidding." However, I guess Mr. Normand just had something to say, and wasn't really going to perform anything. The artists looked at Ronan with a knowing look on their faces.

Understood.

If Ronan had applied for this right in advance, he might have been going up to perform, but since Curator Normand is a collector, he could only have spoken.

The artists unanimously turned their attention to the collectors' section.

But what is he going to say?

The Seibu Group of Japan has resorted to a tactic it has used countless times recently—protest.

They hope to strip Mr. Normand of his 'performance rights'.

However, the auctioneer rejected his application on the grounds that it had been filed in advance.

Curator Normand bowed again to thank the auctioneer, then turned to look at the collectors' section behind him:

"If the Grané Museum is able to successfully acquire artwork number 3, we will permanently exhibit 'Lovebirds' free of charge. Excellent works should belong to the public, to all people who love art."

Curator Normand's words struck like a hammer blow to the hearts of every collector.

However, everyone's first reaction was to look at Ronan in the artists' section.

Ronan was so startled that he immediately sat up straight.

Mr. Normand is speaking. Why are these people looking at me?
Cotillard's slightly manic voice came to Ronan's ears:

"Being permanently exhibited free of charge by a museum means that the work has become a shared cultural heritage of society, and at the same time represents the artist's entry into the 'orthodox art history narrative'!"

In stark contrast to Cotillard's madness.

Rodrigo looked nervous.

As a seasoned local collector, he discerned another layer of meaning in Normand's words.

Rodrigo kept picking up and putting down the dried lavender flowers, seemingly filled with immense inner conflict.

However, some people were not intimidated by Curator Normand's remarks, and the sign representing the Princess of Monaco, the No. 1 buyer, was raised.

The agent smiled and shrugged, as if to say:
The people's idea is noble, but the princess wants her, and there's nothing I can do about it.

Normand let out a long sigh, as if he had made a decision, and continued speaking to Siskoya:

"Honorable auctioneer, I wish to exercise my 'right of first refusal for national treasures.' The French Ministry of Culture stipulates that the state has the right to exercise its right of first refusal for works that meet any of the following conditions: first, significant historical value; second, artistic originality; and third, technological scarcity. I believe that 'Lovebirds' meets the second and third conditions and can be recognized as a 'national treasure' artwork. As a public museum in Provence, the Granet Museum has the right to acquire this work with the first refusal."

The entire room erupted in uproar, and even the auctioneer didn't react immediately, still trying to understand what the 'national treasure priority purchase right' was.

However, the Japanese Seibu Group, which knew very little about the rules of the Provence auction, raised the loudest protest of the auction:
"It's 'priority purchase right for national treasures' again! We protest! We strongly protest! Artworks designated as 'national treasures' require a certification from the National Art Commission!"

Normand looked at the Seibu Group representative with a gloomy expression.

The French Ministry of Culture's "right of first refusal for national treasures" policy appeared 27 times in Paris auctions between 1985 and 1986, and all 23 successful instances were against Japanese conglomerates.

In Paris, Seibu department store has been dubbed a 'cultural thief'.

With their substantial financial resources, they acquired 80% of the French Impressionist works in Paris, leading to the displacement of middle-class collectors from the market and an imbalance in the art ecosystem.

Subsequently, they also asked Parisian artists to incorporate Japanese elements such as Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms into their works in order to 'adapt to the Asian market'.

The French Ministry of Culture was forced to introduce the "right of first refusal for national treasures" regulation.

This regulation has now appeared for the first time in Provence.

Normand was well aware that the Seibu Group would protest, because they had protested at every auction in Paris:

"The French Ministry of Culture stipulates that a work of art can be recognized as a 'national treasure' if it is approved by three or more members of the National Arts Council, and the 'Lovebirds' meets this condition."

The Seibu Group's client pointed around and asked:
"Which three?"

A voice came from the audience:
“Aldair and I are members of the National Arts Council.”

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw that the speaker was Professor Goldman, and standing next to him was his deputy, Aldair, who was also a professor at the Royal College of Art.

Aldair crossed his arms:
"Professor Goldman and I agree that the 'lovebird' is a national treasure, as it meets the criteria of originality and technological scarcity."

Mr. Normand bowed to the auctioneer again:
“I am also a member of the National Arts Committee. All three of us have recognized the ‘national treasure’ status of ‘Lovebird’, and the ‘national treasure priority purchase right’ clause can be activated. I will provide written proof to the organizing committee within a week.”

The Seibu Group's representative asked Rodrigo, number 25, in a highly inflammatory tone:
Do you agree with the rules he proposed?

Rodrigo put down the dried flowers in his hand and stood up as well:

“In Provence, no one can change the rules of the auction; it’s a rule that has been passed down for thousands of years. I respect Curator Normand’s right of first refusal.”

“We all agree!!” Many local buyers echoed.

The nation's interests come first; the nation wants to keep it in Provence, and we support that!

The representative of Seibu Department Store then looked at Buyer No. 1, who was sitting in the very center:
"You agree?"

They're Provençal, but you're the representative of the Princess of Monaco.

Client No. 1 thought for a very long time before finally putting down the sign:

"The Monaco royal family pays close attention to the Provençal art market because the artistic atmosphere there is the purest in France and even Europe. While Paris and London are constantly chasing Picasso and Warhol, Provençal has always been promoting its local unknown artisans, such as Mr. Ronan, the artist of lot number 3 in today's auction. He is unknown but can still enjoy the treatment of a 'national treasure'. The princess believes that this is what attracts her the most. I believe that the three experts would not inexplicably bring up a rule to deceive us in front of everyone, so I respect the rules."

Curator Normand breathed a silent sigh of relief.

Bringing up the "national treasure priority purchase right" is a last resort.

This is a very 'gray' rule, and he has no idea whether he can get it approved. Even Professor Goldman doesn't dare to guarantee it; he just says to give it a try.

Fortunately, no one held a grudge.

Everyone else compromised, except for Seibu Department Store, which refused to back down and kept pressuring the auctioneer to continue the next round, arguing that regulations without official certification could not be used as evidence.

Seibu Department Store is too unique in today's art scene.

Their protests cannot be completely ignored.

The auctioneer had to suspend the auction and await the organizing committee's decision.

The waiting time became a personal show for the Seibu Group, whose team relentlessly accused the Provençal art world of unfairness.

Countless local collectors clenched their fists in anger.

The solemn Provence auction always adheres to the principle of 'silent olive branch,' but this foreign buyer not only shouted and yelled at the auction, but also insulted their rules and procedures more than once.

So irritating!

Auctioneer Cissor looked more than ten years older in an instant.

Several times, the clients pointed at him and cursed him.

The Provençal art world had been abuzz with nationalistic fervor for days, and now it's ignited completely.

Ronan asked Cotillard twice whether he could still exercise his 'right to intervene':
"Is it really not possible? Are you sure it's not possible? There are so many rules at Provence auctions, isn't there anything that can activate the artist's 'right to intervene'?"

Cotillard bit his finger and said:
"I don't know, I really don't know. Should I go ask Marechal?"

The suspension of the auction emboldened the Seibu Group, who seemed to see a possibility of a successful protest, and thus their 'protest' grew even louder.

"Don't you Provence have your own set of auction rules? Why are you using the Ministry of Culture's rules now? The auction must continue, or we will complain to the French Ministry of Culture!"

"If you invoke the 'priority purchase right for national treasures,' it proves that every previous auction was a scam, especially those buyers who exercised their privileges!"

"This is a scam orchestrated by you all to manipulate art lovers!"

Ronan stood up angrily:

“I will go find Marechal myself.”

He has to get these people out of here today!
There must be a corresponding solution in the auction rules of Provence.

But Ronan wasn't the only one with the same idea at the scene.

A little girl is constantly recalling what her father told her.

Patricia will not allow anyone to tarnish the Provençal art scene, nor will she allow anyone to break the rules here.

Suddenly, she shouted:
"enough!"

More gasps of surprise erupted in the bustling hall.

"It's Miss Patricia!"

"It was the first collector to hold up dried lavender flowers!"

"It's that child who shouted 'Aquò es miéu!'!"

Patricia bowed to the auctioneer:
"Grandpa Siscoya, please continue with the process."

Curator Normand looked over anxiously, as if to remind her:

No way, I've already brought out the 'national treasure priority purchase right,' so I can't let the artwork fall into the hands of a Japanese buyer.

Patricia gave Mr. Normand a reassuring look.

Then, in full view of everyone, she picked up the dried lavender flowers from the table.

Even the auctioneer was startled this time.

Child, please stop getting involved and stop raising the price!
But the dried lavender in Patricia's hand didn't float above her head; instead, it landed on her hair—she put the flowers in her hair.

Although the girl's voice was young, she spoke in "ancient" languages:

"Centuries ago, at an auction in Provence, wearing lavender in one's hair signified that I would be the last to bid and that the piece must belong to me. This Japanese buyer, no matter how high you raise the price, I will ultimately outbid you. Do you still want to protest?"

The client of Seibu Department Store was stunned.

Can you do this?

This time, the auctioneer did not hesitate at all.

Cissoria witnessed an auction scene that only existed in 'legend', and he said excitedly:
“The Provence auction allows competition, but it must close before sunset. The ‘sun’ of this auction has appeared, and buyer number 8 has the final bid!”

Due to the low markup factor, auctions in ancient Provence often resulted in stalemates, which led to the emergence of the 'sun' rule.

But the 'sun' has disappeared from Provence for centuries.
The auctioneer's words prove that this rule is recognized in Provence.

The Provençal people ultimately defeated the challengers with their unique rules!
Patricia spoke forcefully in her Provençal dialect:

“I will donate this work to the Granet Museum and support its permanent free exhibition. Everyone says that in Provence, the interests of artists and buyers come first, but I want to say that in Provence, art comes first, and centuries of heritage come first! These are the words my father taught me since I was a child, and I believe that if he were here today, he would do the same! The dignity of Provence is unshakeable!!”

The entire stadium erupted in thunderous cheers, seemingly about to knock Gold over.

Cotillard kept shaking Ronan's arm:
"The inclusion of 'Lovebirds' in the Grané Museum signifies its status as a 'national treasure,' which also means you are now a national treasure-level artist! Ronan, you are a national treasure-level artist!!"

(End of this chapter)