If it hadn't been that painting, would it have been the one that took it's place?

It takes an open mind and an eye that sees plus the scene to be beholden working together.

The artist may wonder if you, of all people, hadn't sat there if their painting would have ever been appreciated by more than the purchasor.

And then there was the mediator - the person who picked it out and hung it, at a level which invited easy perusal, much like a fisherman casting a fly. As with the angler, that person made a selection, and placed it in the very spot most likely to attract their prey.

And it you hadn't spent time in the company of that painting, you may have discovered the Grand Unifying Theory, or a cure for cancer. Or, probably, been more self-indulgent, that that's beyond the limited scope of your post.

A very nice read. Thanks.

Arf