There are many paintings around the world that I would not mind owning. The Starry Night, Adele Broch-Bauer I, a few of Monet's Water Lilies and perhaps Degas' Bathers to name a few. All exceptionally exquisite examples of art, all very valuable, all with their origins in the developments of the impressionism.

On the other hand, if I really had my choice, if I could really have ANY painting I hoped for, if I could truly progress from the artistic to the literary level, I might go a slightly different way. I might instead opt for The Picture of Dorian Grey. I mean think about it. While all the above masterpieces are classic, this is the only one that is actually directly linked to the life of one. And while all other start stays the same, or at least fall about and degrade in rather forseeable ways, this one moves in much more dynamic ways, and there is really no telling which kind of abandonment the image will suffer next? Additionally, what other piece of art really gives you bargaining power with an immortal? There is really something to be said for that kind of influence!

Of course, in this real world we live in, neither eternal youth or the paintings to control it is readily accessible. If they were, portrait paintings would certainly be doing brisker business, but it is an interesting thought.

I guess I might instead opt for a painting sure to get conversions developed. The Mona Lisa, the Last Supper or maybe The Creation of Adam would all look great over my blue-green IKEA couch. How is that for shock and awe. Nobody would have any clue what hit them once they come into the living room. "Yes, I know it used to be at the Louvre, but life is Paris is overrated anyway".

I could of course also get past these intricacies by having oil painting reproductions produced of the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper or whatever else my impulsive brain can come up with. Trust me, I have and am still thinking about it. They would be a lot less vulnerable that the original, better able to resist a bit of cigarette smoke and some flashes, and undoubtedly be more sensitive to my personal finances.

But it still leaves me with decisions to make. Because what would actually be my preferred motive, when everything is achievable. With immortality and billionaire collections denied, what would I actually prefer to put on my wall.

The answer is: "it depends on the room". While Klimt's The Virgin would do great in my bedroom, I might not want it anywhere else. And while The Bathers might be cool in the bathroom, they would not fit in my kitchen. On the other hand some still life could probably fit the two the kitchen and living room - especially if it contained apples.

Such are the many alternatives and I am working on it. Of course I am also working on becoming an instant man of wealth, a date with Paris Hilton and quitting my job at the first given opportunity. But at least it is a first step. Let's see if I ever make it beyond that.