--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You see?\" Damien leaned over his desk and…" description: "\"“You see?\" Damien leaned over his desk and spread out half a dozen charcoal sketches. \"These are only quick studies of course. But my agent in Florence..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f15/rick-riordan-27_39-clues_you-see-damien-leaned-over-his-desk-and_3193583.jpg" --- # You see?" Damien leaned over his desk and spread out half… ![“You see?" Damien leaned over his desk and spread out half a dozen charcoal sketches. "These are only quick studies of course. But my agent in Florence tells me this artist, Leonardo, is a master and also quite an inventor of mechanical devices--which, as you know, are my passion. Leonardo just…” quote by Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f15/rick-riordan-27_39-clues_you-see-damien-leaned-over-his-desk-and_3193583.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f15/rick-riordan-27_39-clues_you-see-damien-leaned-over-his-desk-and_3193583.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f15/rick-riordan-27_39-clues_you-see-damien-leaned-over-his-desk-and_3193583.jpg) > ““You see?" Damien leaned over his desk and spread out half a dozen charcoal sketches. "These are only quick studies of course. But my agent in Florence tells me this artist, Leonardo, is a master and also quite an inventor of mechanical devices--which, as you know, are my passion. Leonardo just completed a portrait of Lisa de Giocondo. He calls it the Mona Lisa . I thought I might commission him to do a portrait of me, and while he's here, I can pick his mind for mechanical secrets. How does that sound?" "Expensive," Gideon murmured.”” [Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-riordan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A character seeks to exploit an artist’s fame and skill for personal gain, mixing admiration with opportunism. **In simple terms:** Seeking personal advantage through a famous artist’s work. Key Takeaway Beware using others for selfish ends. Themes ambition exploitation art technology manipulation Mood cautious critical reflective Type advisory ethical When to use this quote - commissioning art - seeking mentorship - networking - leveraging fame - personal gain Key Concepts Machiavellianism utilitarianism celebrity culture Questions to Reflect On - Is it ethical to use fame for personal benefit? - What are the risks of exploiting artistic talent? A Different Perspective Assuming talent will readily share secrets may be unrealistic. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Artist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artist/) [Cahill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cahill/) [Gideon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gideon/) [Painting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/painting/) ## Related quotes > [“Don't have to see," the pilot grunted. " Olga knows the way." "Funny name for an aircraft," Grace commented. "Is it after your wife?"…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gordon-korman/don-t-have-to-see-the-pilot-grunted-olga-knows-the-way-funny-name-for/) [Gordon Korman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gordon-korman/) > [“About f-f-ace!" she said to the horse, flailing with her boots. "Into the barn, please. It's time for some tasty hay! 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Time slowed down, which, Dan knew from experience, often happened when you were in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jude-watson/nooooooooooo-screaming-the-word-amy-and-dan-moved-as-one-time-slowed/) [Jude Watson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jude-watson/) > [“He looked around at the others…They were all staring at their computers, or reading books or newspapers. Not one of them has noticed the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-baldacci/he-looked-around-at-the-others-they-were-all-staring-at-their/) [David Baldacci](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-baldacci/) > [“About f-f-ace!" she said to the horse, flailing with her boots. "Into the barn, please. It's time for some tasty hay! 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Leonardo just completed a portrait of Lisa de Giocondo. He calls it the Mona Lisa . I thought I might commission him to do a portrait of me, and while he's here, I can pick his mind for mechanical secrets. 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