Chapter 10
Summary
- On Breitwieser’s 24th birthday, he and his mother Anne-Catherine visit the New Castle in Germany, where Sotheby's auction house is hosting a presale viewing.
- Breitwieser, compelled by an item he saw in the auction's catalog, intends to use this trip to steal a birthday present for himself. However, he needs to do this without alerting his mother, who accompanies him on the trip but is unaware of his criminal activities.
- Upon entering the castle, Breitwieser finds the desired artwork, a sixteenth-century portrait of a princess, Sibylle of Cleves, painted by Lucas Cranach the Younger. The painting is small, unframed, painted on wood, and in pristine condition, likely worth millions. It is heavily guarded and secured beneath a plexiglass dome.
- Initial consideration of the security situation prompts him to abandon his ambitious plan, as he realizes stealing such a notable artwork would draw significant unwanted attention from authorities.
- However, unable to let go of his obsession, Breitwieser formulates a plan to steal the small painting, seizing the opportunity when guard vigilance seems to wane.
- After confirming with Anne-Catherine that the guards are distracted, he lifts the dome, secures the artwork in his auction catalog, and replaces the dome. Accidentally, he knocks over the plastic stand supporting the artwork, but it seems nobody notices the noise in the bustling room.
- They leave the room promptly, maintaining their cool despite the risk of alerted security. They manage to exit the castle without being stopped or searched.
- Outside, Breitwieser reveals to Anne-Catherine that he successfully stole the portrait, to which his mother expresses no suspicion. They leave for his grandparents' farmhouse, Breitwieser ecstatic about adding the pricey artwork to his criminal collection.