It took Ava three whole days to piece together the shredded oil painting—the one rumored to be a work by Hugh Thompson.
The fragments were shockingly small. By the time she fit the last piece in, her head felt like it was about to explode.
As soon as it was assembled, she threw herself into the restoration work.
Countless hours of meticulous polishing and patience finally yielded a painting that looked almost untouched by damage.
After the restoration was complete, Ava was very pleased with the result.
The entire piece exuded a restrained elegance and bold composition, carrying a serene beauty. The brushstrokes were layered and defined, faintly emanating a deep, understated power.
Hugh Thompson's style was truly unique—wet and dry strokes interwoven, distinct contrasts of light and dark, thick and thin perfectly balanced.
With the restoration finished, the next step was to find a buyer.
She dialed Stella's number. "Which auction house in D.C. is the most reliable?"
