An Inside Job

The story switches to a history of Leonardo da Vinci’s life and work. After his death, some confusion surrounded several of his missing paintings. For centuries, art enthusiasts hoped to discover the handful of lost works by the great master: “A legion of so-called Leonardists believed that to be the case and were scouring the globe in search of them” (81). The zeal of these art enthusiasts was only matched by the astronomical value that the recovery of a lost Leonardo could command.

Calvesi shows Gabriel photos of the purported lost Leonardo at various stages of its restoration. Gabriel is convinced that the work is authentic. However, Calvesi already showed the picture to the foremost art expert on da Vinci, Giorgio Montefiore, who rejected the idea. Calvesi refused to allow Penny to do any more work, and the picture was returned to storage. She was sent on to her next assignment. Gabriel insists that he wants to take a look at the picture himself.

When Gabriel finally tells Calvesi that Penny is dead, the art conservationist takes the situation more seriously. When they arrive at the storeroom, they discover the painting is missing. Gabriel alerts the pope’s private secretary, Father Mark Keegan, about the theft and the murder.