Summary

Chapter 11 – At home, Claire sits in front of After the Bath, and worries that it itself may be a forgery. She carefully studies everything about the painting, from the canvas to the way the paint has crackled over time. She tests to make sure the paint itself is thoroughly dry, and becomes reasonably sure, but not fully convinced she is looking at an authentic Degas. Claire then heads over to meet her friends at Jake’s, and specifically asks Rik about Isabella Stewart Gardner. Rik explains she was the first great American art collector in history, because of her love of beauty, her studies, her great eye, and her help from Bernard Berenson.

Chapter 12 – It is three years earlier. Claire does not attend the Museum of Modern Art opening with Isaac, for she has to study for an art school exam. Claire has difficulty...