That was my original choice for a title, but I’m happy enough just not botching the Hamlet reference. Thanks to all the people who helped with interviews and research and editing.
Since the story closed, I’ve heard from a couple of people who saw the Dora Maar sale, and it was even more incredible than I thought. Apparently, the guy bidding just kept waving his paddle all the way through the sale, even while he had the bid and was waiting for a competitor to respond. It’s as if he wasn’t following the proceedings at all, just waving the paddle until Tobias Meyer told him he’d won.
Rule No. 1: Don’t Yell, “My Kid Could Do That” [nyt]