Why did Thomas insist Finch and Stephen be the ones to be the first to view his painting? What characteristics in each made them ideal for the task he assigns them?

Why did Thomas insist Finch and Stephen be the ones to be the first to view his painting? What characteristics in each made them ideal for the task he assigns them?

Finch was chosen because he was the expert on Bayber's work and had published the catalog raisonne. Additionally, he had helped support Bayber for years. Stephen was chosen primarily because he was Bayber's son and was in bad personal circumstances. The success of this mission could make Stephen a success. Additionally, he was an expert in authentication of artists' works.

I agree with BonnieB, but I also think that Finch was chosen because he's a man of honor, and once he committed to the task he'd see it through because he promised to. I think Stephen brought a creativity and obsessiveness that would also help make sure the task was a success.

I believe Bayber wanted Finch involved not only because he was a recognized authority of his work, but perhaps most of all because Bayber trusted that once he began the mission he would complete it no matter how difficult it became. Stephen was chosen primarily because he was Bayber's son and his involvement would personalize the mission as though he was Bayber by proxy expecially if the located the women.

I think Bayber chose Stephen because he was his son, but also because he recognized some real talent in him when he talked to him at a show. Bayber was used to having Fitch around, and trusted him, as others have written. Also, Fitch would do whatever Bayber wanted. A lot of people wouldn't be willing to do that.

Thomas knew that both Finch and Stephen had personalities that would see the hidden meaning and secrets of the painting and that they would not be able to resist finding the answers.

I think he chose Finch because he trusted him and he knew he would see the task through until the end. I think he chose Stephen because he believed in his abilities and also because he was his son. Thomas seemed to be trying to find some reconciliation with his past and I think choosing Stephen had something to do with that.

Something that just occurred to me, too, was the Stephen's mother insisted that Thomas never let Stephen know that he was Stephen's father. Perhaps by making Stephen responsible for finding the rest of the painting he was also trying to help Stephen's career? It seemed like anyone involved in finding a new painting like that would achieve a certain amount of notoriety.

Thomas chose Finch because he was the one constant in his life. No one thing or person had been stood by him as long. He also was an expert on his works, publishing his catalog raisonne. Finch unfortunenly had enabled Thomas his whole life.
Thomas chose Stephen because he was his son. He wanted to see him before he died. Stephen was very talented in his own right as an authenticater. Thomas knew that he would help Stephen's career by uncovering this last Bayber work.

I totally agree that Thomas selected Finch because of his expertise, his commitment to Thomas, and his commitment to finding the panels. He selected Stephen because he was his son and he wanted to help him get the boost he needed in his career.