The Lost Portrait
A picture paints a thousand lies. Turn the cards to examine the evidence.
The Victim
Jean-Paul Dubois was a genius, but his greatest talent was making enemies.
The Scandal
A masterpiece recovered. A gallery sealed. A crime scene waiting for your discerning eye.
The Detective
The police are baffled. The critics are whispering. It is up to you to uncover the truth.
A LOST PORTRAIT. A DEAD ARTIST. A GALLERY OF LIES.
The champagne is poured. The critics are waiting. Step inside the scandal and uncover the truth.
“Paint over the cracks all you want. The truth always surfaces.”
Jean-Paul Dubois was a genius, but he was never a “darling.” Arrogant, cruel, and widely disliked, he was tolerated by the art world solely for his immense talent. Tonight, his most famous work, The Lost Portrait, has resurfaced at The Philosopher’s Frame gallery.
It was meant to be a triumphant, controversial comeback following the painting’s supposed theft five years ago. Instead, it is a crime scene.
Dubois has been found dead within the walls of the gallery. The doors are sealed, the press has been silenced, and the painting sits veiled in the centre of the room. The motive is hidden somewhere in the past.
A TASTE OF SHADOWS
To match the mood of the evening, Grant has prepared a menu that is elegant, dark, and indulgent.
You will be served a decadent two-course fine dining journey (a main course and a dessert) inspired by the shadows of the art world. Expect rich flavours, deep colours, and uncompromising quality.
GALLERY GLAMOUR
We invite you to step right into the scandalous world of high-society art. Think velvet, silk, deep jewel tones, and absolute artistic flair. Dress as if the paparazzi are waiting just outside the gallery doors.
Full costumes are wholeheartedly encouraged for those who love to lean into the theme. Otherwise, elegantly smart-casual attire provides the perfect canvas for the evening.
THEATRE OF THE MIND
This is an immersive tabletop investigation where your table becomes the detective agency. You will be handed the private letters, police statements, and gallery records that the public was never meant to see.
The Scandal: Dive into a world of high-society gossip, bitter rivalries, and broken trust.
The Narrative: Read between the lines of the witness testimonies to find the lies. Who was jealous? Who was indebted? Who was in love?
The Verdict: As the courses are served, the timeline of the murder becomes clear. Connect the dots and name the killer before the end of dessert.
OPENING NIGHT DRINKS
While we do not hold a liquor licence, you are welcome to bring your own wine or spirits (BYOB) to sip on while you deduce. A selection of cooldrinks will be available for purchase at the venue.
MASTERPIECES TAKE TIME
Strictly no dietary changes can be made within 48 hours of the event.
Please ensure you have reviewed our full refunds policy here prior to securing your place in the story.
Event Details
145-147 10th St, Linksfield, Johannesburg, 2192