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Claims of Hidden Messages in De Staël's Painting Spark Debate

1/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Patrick Quéré claims to have found messages encoding Nicolas de Staël's name in The Key, a painting created 1948–1953.
He asserts the encryption spans the painting's creation and gifting to Quéré's grandfather.
Sandra Kisters of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen doubts the claim, noting that The Key is not in de Staël's official catalogue.
Quéré hopes to exhibit his findings alongside de Staël's works, emphasizing the painting's significance and beauty.

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Story summary

Patrick Quéré claims to have found messages encoding Nicolas de Staël's name in The Key, a painting created 1948–1953.
He asserts the encryption spans the painting's creation and gifting to Quéré's grandfather.
Sandra Kisters of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen doubts the claim, noting that The Key is not in de Staël's official catalogue.
Quéré hopes to exhibit his findings alongside de Staël's works, emphasizing the painting's significance and beauty.