Three painters,

Pablo picasso

Wassily Kandinsky,

Pete Cornelius Mondrian.

They took a painting with them and followed Margarita into the house.

Every time he sees such a luxurious lineup, Lu Shi feels outrageous.

It's just that none of the three of them have become famous yet, and if you put it in the 21st century, it will not be a problem for a painting to sell for tens of millions of pounds.

The crowd took their seats one by one.

Margarita took out two contracts,

"Professor Lu, please take a look."

When she handed it over, she used the contract as a cover, and mischievously pinched the big fish of Lu Shi with her index finger and thumb, which was a kind of mischief.

Lu Shi glared at the other party,

Little girl!

He doesn't look at the contract either,

"It's up to you to decide how to run an advertising agency."

Unexpectedly, Margarita continued: "Look at it~"

Her tone sounded like a solicitation of credit.

Where do you still not understand?

There's definitely something in the contract.

He flipped through it roughly, somewhat surprised, and asked, "Didn't you say 10%?" How did it become 17.5%? Moreover, the time has also been stretched to 99 years......"

Previously, Picasso proposed to cooperate with advertising agencies,

For every painting he sells for the next 25 years, he pays 10% of the advertising fee.

Now these two numbers become,

99 years, 17.5%,

Quite outrageous.

Picasso smiled wryly,

"Her Royal Highness the princess is too good at business, I can only be manipulated~"

Margarita raised her little nose triumphantly and winked subtly at Lu Shi.

Lu Shi said: "Ah, sign a deed of sale with someone." ”

Margarita spreads her hands,

"That's not going to happen. The plantations in the American South can be much darker than our contracts. ”

Picasso was speechless when he heard this,

Her Royal Highness the princess really compared herself to a slave, but she really didn't expect it.

However, he was not averse to the terms of the contract,

Although he has become famous through comics, he has become more and more hindered in the orthodox art of painting.

In other words, he is stereotyped in the minds of potential sellers,

It's a cartoonist, not a painter.

Because of this, when Margarita had to fight, Picasso felt that the other party was optimistic about his future.

This is also the special thing about Picasso as a person,

He famously said:

"It's not what an artist is doing, it's what kind of person he is."

It can be seen that for selling paintings, he does not have the cold frame of an artist.

It can be relaxed and never stands, and it can lie down and never stand.

Picasso spreads his hands,

"In business~ Her Royal Highness the princess cares about the year and proportion, which shows that she is very confident in the marketing methods of the advertising company, and believes that she can help me sell paintings at a high price."

Lu Shi nodded,

"Yes."

A painting sells for 10 pounds, and there is really no difference between 17.5% and 10%.

But what if you sell it for 1000 pounds?

These numbers only make sense if they are sold at a high price.

Lu Shi picked up another contract and asked, "Is this ......?"

Margarita said: "The contract that I drafted with Mr. Mondrian, but neither side has signed it for the time being. ”

Lu Shi turned a few pages,

This one is more ruthless,

The same is 99 years, but the commission is as high as 25%,

It's just that the signatures of both parties are still empty for the time being.

Thinking about it, Mondrian still had doubts and wanted to hear about the advertising agency's marketing plan and then make a plan.

Lu Shi looked at Kandinsky again,

The latter waved his hand,

"Professor Lu, as I told you before, is going to travel to Europe and North Africa to investigate the development of modern art movements in various countries. Especially after looking at several of Pablo's recent works......"

Lu Shi couldn't help but be curious,

"Mr. Picasso, you have a new work?"

Picasso nodded,

"There are a few ...... By the way, this is what we brought today. ”

He lifted the canvas.

"Tsk......"

Lu Shi was staggered.

The painting in front of me is an improvement over the previous "Girl in Cooperation", and it is similar to Picasso's famous work "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon".

He watched for a while,

"These are 4 girls."

Picasso nodded,

"Professor Lu, you are really amazing, many people think it is 3 when they first see this painting."

Lu Shi: "......"

I feel that the other party's sycophants are a little stiff.

He said: "This painting makes you completely break with the 'art of painting'~"

I say this because the painting presents a single flatness, and all the backgrounds and figures are done through color, giving a strong visual impact.

Picasso laughed,

"It doesn't matter. I just gave up on stereoscopic and perspective. ”

This is from the mouth of the painter, which is about the same as the online writer saying: "I just gave up psychological description." ”

If you do it well, you can become a god,

Can't you get it......

(PS: I didn't write anything.) ）

(PS: Even if I wrote it, it was Lu Shi's idea.) ）

Lu Shi asked, "What is this painting?" ”

Picasso coughed lightly,

"Some of my female friends...... Forehead...... Model, model just ......"

Everyone rolled their eyes in unison.

Mondrian complained: "You bastard, outrageous than the French." ”

Picasso spreads his hands,

"I'll just take it as a compliment."

Everyone: "......"

Lu Shi thought of Picasso's romantic affairs and couldn't help but want to laugh.

He looked at Kandinsky,

"You said you were inspired by Mr. Picasso?"

Kandinsky replied: "Yes, I think it is possible to go one step further and simply get rid of the constraints of concrete objects and express emotions or thoughts in an art form. ”

This became abstraction.

Mondrian chimed in: "I think it's possible, too. Through the precise use of points, lines, planes, and the harmony of form and color. ”

Lu Shi scratched his head,

The two masters' perception of abstraction seems to have sprouted in advance.

He coughed lightly and turned the subject back,

"What's the name of this painting?"

Picasso said: "The Maidens of the Goldsmiths' Academy." ”

Lu Shi was a little stunned and asked, "When did the Goldsmith Academy start accepting female students?" ”

Picasso coughed lightly,

"It's not...... Not a schoolgirl. ”

!

In the hearts of the people, 10,000 grass and mud horses galloped by,

I secretly said in my heart,

What "maiden"? Obviously a "young woman"!

Lu Shi couldn't help but ponder, considering whether to buy Picasso's painting,

But after a moment's hesitation, the decision was settled.

If all the similar works are collected by someone alone, the price may not be able to be speculated.

It's enough to have "Girls in Cooperation" by yourself.

Lu Shi asked Margarita: "What do you think about advertising?" ”

The three painters immediately sat up straight and listened attentively,

That's what they care about.

After Margarita came out to work, she was already accustomed to facing this kind of scene, and said calmly: "Professor Lu, I think it can create competition, similar to the previous auction of advertising space in the Mirror. ”

Lu Shi groaned,

"Tell me more about it."

Margarita continued: "Auctions can take advantage of the competitive psychology of art dealers and raise the price of artworks. The sky-high price of advertising space in the Mirror is obvious to all. ”

Lu Shi shook his head,

"It's different."

He pointed to the painting "The Girls of the Goldsmith Academy" and said, "The advertising space is there, and everyone can understand it." But what about this painting? ”

The implication is incomprehensible to ordinary people.

Picasso quickly interjected: "I am not painting the appearance of things, but the essence that cannot be seen with the naked eye. ”

Lu Shi spreads his hands,

"You see, you admit it yourself, right?"

Picasso: "......"

"Okay, I'll admit it."

Lu Shi continued: "Since ordinary people cannot see the essence of painting with the naked eye, then it is necessary to flicker...... Forehead...... I mean, to bring people closer to the paintings through stories. ”

Margarita fell into deep thought,

"So, preach at the auction?"

Lu Shi thought for a while,

"The auction is possible, but it has to be auctioned secretly."

Margarita looked confused.

Mondrian chuckled,

"Her Royal Highness the Princess may not understand what secret photography is. I'll give you an example, when a boatload of fresh crabs comes to shore, the accountant at the dock will make a secret auction and ask the buyer to put his hand in his sleeve and make a bid with a gesture. ”

Margarita Ice and Snow was smart and immediately understood,

In this way, only the accountant knows the bids of the parties, and the participants do not know each other.

They will hesitate,

"Did he make a bid?"

"If I don't pay a little more, will he buy these crabs?"

……

In this way, they are suspicious of each other, and there is room to raise the price.

Lu Shi said: "This is the prisoner's dilemma caused by information asymmetry. ”

Picasso was a little curious,

"What is the 'Prisoner's Dilemma'?"

Lu Shi explained: "The two people who conspired to commit the crime were put in prison and could not communicate with each other. If neither of them denounces the other, they will be released; If one person denounces and the other is silent, the whistleblower is released for meritorious service, and the silent person is imprisoned; If they expose each other, they will be imprisoned at the same time. ”

Mondrian thought for a moment and was pleasantly surprised: "This 'prisoner's dilemma' sums it up well. ”

As long as the dealers ventilate privately, they can buy paintings at a low price.

But because they don't trust each other, they will push the price to a high point even more.

Margarita tapped her chin with her fingers,

"We can have an exhibition for Mr. Picasso. Bring in a few dealers, but only a few dealers will be allowed into the meeting room at a time, and the others will have to wait outside. At this time, Mr. Picasso flickered one by one...... Ahem...... Tell the story in the painting. When people are interested in the story, the value of the painting climbs. ”

Picasso's eyes glowed,

"Good! It's just great! ”

Lu Shi was speechless,

In fact, this trick Picasso himself used,

One of his lovers, François Gillaud, even commented on this: "Picasso from Spain behaves like a matador, especially when it comes to buying and selling." ”

Picasso was good at exploiting the competitive psychology of art dealers.

Therefore, Lu Shi stole Picasso's strategy, and then gave back to Picasso.

I don't know why,

He had the feeling of cuckolding the other person.

He continued: "But to do so requires the premise that Mr. Picasso cannot be just a cartoonist. As a painter, you must also accumulate fame. ”

Everyone pondered, and there was nothing they could do for a while.

In the circle of painting, who hasn't worked hard year after year?

Even Monet was the same.

Of course, Monet was lucky, and he made a lot of money when he was alive.

How many people have to wait until they are gone to become famous~

Lu Shi said: "We can use the previous method, hire a few students from the goldsmith academy, go around the painting shop every day, and before leaving the painting shop, deliberately ask the boss if there are any paintings of Mr. Picasso in the shop." ”

Picasso was surprised,

"'The way before'? Has Professor Lu done this before? ”

Lu Shi was a little confused,

Isn't that exactly what Picasso said when he was marketing himself in Paris?

But he quickly remembered,

Picasso in the Blue Age was busy experiencing the life of the bottom, and he had not yet focused on selling paintings.

As a result, he was recommended by Monet to come to London, and he did not show his business talents.

Lu Shi was speechless,

I didn't expect to put a hat on the other party again.

He digressed vaguely: "In short, this will definitely give the impression to the dealers that Mr. Picasso does not draw comics, and other works can be sold." After a while, the time is ripe to open an exhibition. ”

Margarita admired it very much,

"When the time comes, the dealers will definitely have been grinded into hungry tigers by this advertising method, and they will definitely pounce on their prey without hesitation."

Natsume Soseki groaned,

"But that's risky, right? If the painting is average, it will be seen through in the future. ”

Mondrian waved his hand,

"Mr. Natsume, you don't have to worry about that. Pablo has this strength, and that kind of advertising method is just a 'advance' of popularity, as long as it can be cashed in, it doesn't matter. ”

Kandinsky also nodded frequently.

With Natsume Soseki's relatively conservative character, he won't take this risk,

But seeing that the three painters were confident, they stopped talking about the scenery, but just nodded and said, "I don't know how to paint." Don't pay attention to what I just said. ”

When the three painters heard this, they all said it didn't matter.

Lu Shi said again: "I'll think about it again...... And, Mr. Picasso, you go buy painting supplies, buy paints, or eat in a restaurant...... In short, don't pay cash for daily expenses, and write a check if you can. ”

Picasso was surprised,

"So write a check for a little money? It's going to be a hassle for the bank to pay, right? There's no need. ”

The corners of Lu Shi's mouth are hooked,

"It's because of the trouble of cashing out that I have to do this even more."

Picasso: "......"

I don't understand.

Lu Shi explained: "There is a saying in China, 'Although the sparrow is small, it has all the organs'. The artist's signature is also a painting to some extent, right? What's more, this kind of painting also has a signature guarantee, fidelity! I think a lot of people are willing to buy a frame and hang a check on the wall of their store as a promotion. ”

Picasso was very confident in this,

After the comic book version of "The Lord of the Rings" was serialized, he spent in different stores, and was often asked to sign autographs, and sometimes he could even get free orders with this.

This earned him enough face,

Especially when you're out on a date with your "female friends", it's not too cool.

Exchanged for a check, it is indeed more appropriate,

On the one hand, the store can prove that Picasso has a consumption record in the store by virtue of the check, and then advertise;

On the other hand, as long as the cheque is not honoured, it is equivalent to allowing Picasso to enjoy a substantial exemption;

The most important thing is that after signing a check, you can also prove that you are a courteous gentleman in front of your "female friends", and you will pay when you should pay it, and you will never prostitute it in vain.

Win-win!

The only problem is ......

"Isn't this just me promoting the store?"

Picasso was puzzled.

This question doesn't need to be answered by Lu Shi,

Margarita said, "Monsieur Picasso, a shop hangs your cheque to promote itself; But when hundreds of shops hang up your checks, they become the ones who advertise you. ”

Picasso:!!!

"Ahh That's the truth! ”

He showed an extremely shocked expression, looking at Lu Shi, it was like seeing the god of business.

Lu Shi didn't dare to look directly at the other party, and looked away,

There is no other reason, what I just said is actually Picasso's own marketing strategy,

So, another cuckold.

put on three hats for each other in a row, and it became a hat trick.

Lu Shi pondered for a moment, looked at Margarita,

"Your Royal Highness Princess, I discussed with you before, I am going to build a private museum, and there are still ...... for rent around Fleet Street."

Before the words fell, Margarita replied: "Professor Lu, you are now a KBE, why don't you look for royal estate?" I've actually discussed it with His Majesty, and he's even willing to set aside a few rooms for you at Buckingham Palace. ”

Suddenly, the room fell silent,

“……”

“……”

“……”

The rest of the people looked at Lu in silence as if they were looking at a monster.

In fact, Margarita has another reason not to say,

Edward VII decided that Lu Shi would marry Margarita and could be counted as a member of the royal family, and the use of royal estate was also in line with his status.

"Goo......

Lu Shi swallowed his saliva,

"Forget about Buckingham Palace."

Margarita nodded,

"That's what I said to Your Majesty, and I think he's a little whimsical. Although, Buckingham Palace does have museums, but they are all in the Queen's Gallery or the Royal Collection, which is not suitable. ”

Lu Shi nodded,

"Yes, yes, it's not appropriate."

Moreover, he is also worried that if he puts his private collection in Buckingham Palace, he may not be able to get it back easily in the future.

Margarita continued, "Your Majesty has proposed that there are two unused houses on Palace Street, opposite the Royal Mews, where you may run a private museum. Moreover, when Mr. Natsume returns to Japan, you can also move in. ”

Lu Shi couldn't help but be curious,

I always feel like the other person is very keen to let myself live alone.

He looked inquiringly at Margarita,

As a result, Her Royal Highness the Princess's face turned red instantly, and she staggered her gaze, not daring to look at Lu Shi.

Lu Shi still doesn't understand?

It turned out that the other party felt that it was more convenient for them to meet privately after living alone.

He thought about it and felt that the location of Palace Street was indeed feasible.

It's a big deal to buy the property right into your own name in the future.

He said to Picasso: "I will exhibit your Girls in Collaboration there." ”

Picasso was curious,

"Are there any other exhibits?"

In Lu Shi's mind, the most heavyweight must be "The Female History of Zhentu",

But he was determined to seal it up, saying, "First of all, there is the KBE Medal. literary and artistic aspects, including Mr. Monet's Water Lilies, some of my own manuscripts; In terms of science, I also have Mr. Lorenz's notebook, and then there are handicrafts, industrial products, Patek Philippe watches, and ......"

When you think about it, there is so much he can exhibit.

"Goo......

Picasso swallowed,

It was such an honor to think that my work could be listed alongside "Water Lilies".

He hurriedly said, "Yes, I can ...... Yes! That's right! I'll sell you "The Girls of the Goldsmith Academy"! Low price! I'm only £1...... Oh no...... 1 shilling is fine. I'll recoup the cost of the paint and the canvas. ”

Land Hours: ???

"What are you doing here?"

Picasso seems to be daydreaming, hehehe, laughing,

"As long as I can get my work on display next to Water Lilies. On the left is "The Girls in Cooperation", on the right is "The Girls of the Goldsmith Academy", two breads with cheese, hehe...... Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey......"

Lu Shi was a little confused,

I obviously don't want to buy it.

He was about to say something, but Mondrian suddenly said, "Professor Lu, can you give me that contract, I'll sign it now!" Yes...... You hand me a pen by the way. ”

Of course Lu Shi agreed,

"Okay."

He looked back for his pen.

As a result, Kandinsky on the side also spoke: "Professor Lu, I also want to draw up a contract with the advertising company." You see, how about Pete? 99 years, 25%. ”

"Ah......h

Lu Shi was a little dizzy and asked, "Aren't you going on a trip?" ”

In fact, he just asked,

Kandinsky, however, was mistaken, gritted his teeth and said: "99 years, 30%." ”

He knew in his heart that people like Pablo, who joined the team just after the revolution, could get better conditions for rakeing.

Pete joins halfway, and the conditions are OK,

In the end, he threw himself into the arms of the "Mirror" advertising agency, and he should have given up more benefits.

Lu Shi is depressed,

I really don't have the heart to sit on the ground and raise the price, hey!

But at this point, he couldn't refuse anymore, so he said: "99 years, 30%, I think it's a very 'fair' contract." Still, the question remains, aren't you going to travel? ”

Kandinsky was afraid that Lu Shi would misunderstand, so he hurriedly said: "I do have a plan, and I am not ready to change it temporarily. However, please rest assured that even during my travels, I will continue to hone my drawing skills and produce excellent works. ”

Lu Shi: "......"

Now that I understand it, I will be misunderstood in whatever I say.

Then let's not talk about it.

He nodded to Margarita,

"I'll take care of the rest."

Margarita secretly admired, secretly gave Lu Shi a thumbs up, and said with her mouth: "Amazing! I can talk about such a high rake! ”

Her Royal Highness found that there were too many places to learn.

In business, I am not as good as my sweetheart.

Lu Shi was very depressed,

He also replied with his mouth: "I didn't think about it that much." ”

As a result, Margarita admired it even more, and continued to say silently: "You can make money unintentionally, and you deserve to be a big capitalist!" ”

(End of chapter)