Chapter Nineteen of The Art Thief delves into the evolution of Stéphane's taste in art and the intricate relationship between humans and art. At the beginning of his stealing spree, Stéphane's passion for art was all-encompassing, encompassing pieces of various styles and periods. He held a particular fascination for weapons and bronze artifacts. However, as he continues to expand his repertoire, he finds himself unable to pinpoint the exact reasons behind his attraction to certain pieces. Stéphane and Anne-Catherine spend time together in bed, attempting to unravel the mysteries of their artistic preferences, but they struggle to find definitive answers.

Stéphane's artistic journey leads him to develop a profound love for northern European works from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This period becomes the focal point of his art thefts, and the more he immerses himself in it, the...