pablo picasso was never called an asshole (or the futility of authenticity part 2)
When a mysterious and previously unlisted Picasso painting fell into the hands of one of his most serious (bourgoise) collectors, the lucky enthusiast took it to the artist himslf in order that Pablo could authenticate the piece in person.
Unfortunately, Picasso took one look at the painting and declared it an imposter.
Not to be deterred, the hapless collector purchased another piece and, again, took this to the artist for authentication.
Sadly, Picasso again declared that the piece was a fake.
In a last ditch attempt our collecter commissioned a bespoke work, and then proceeded to watch over Picasso himself as he made the painting, in order that he could be sure of its authenticity, by witnessing its creation with his own eyes.
Upon completion, Picasso yet again declared the new painting to be a fake.
The puzzled collector protested 'But I saw you paint this one with my own eyes?'.
To which the deadpan Pablo replied 'I can paint a fake Picasso better than anyone'.
