An artwork authenticator prepares to exhibit twelve 17th century Dutch Brohm family portraits—GALERIJ—then learns the dangers of reuniting the collection when an art expert warns her that this will revive the Brohm family and unleash them into present day society, where they'll resume control over and castrate European trade.

SYNOPSIS:

Set in 17th to 18th centuries and present day, combining drama and a hint of magical realism with history.

Synopsis

Given the opportunity to control 17th century European trade markets/routes, Dutch family head Wouter Brohm is offered a deal with a dark, powerful "man" named Diehl that enables Brohm's four sons immortality through family portraits signed in blood. Having just lost his youngest son on a ship following the Mayflower, Wouter accepts Diehl's enticing offer.

Centuries later, the Brohm families are dead at the hands of their servants, but their Portraits reemerge in the 21st century. Art experts Olivia and Evan must stop the art world's push to regroup the twelve GALERIJ Brohm blood portraits for exhibition, a gathering that could also resurrect the Brohm family to resume their stranglehold on the world's economies.

This US/Europe story uses the Dorian Gray idea in a greedy, character-driven series set both in sophisticated present day and the plush yet rough ages of luxury and exploration worldwide in a storyline of control uninterrupted by natural lifespans. Because the Brohms live for 160+ years, they're involved in pivotal, nation-changing events in history. For Olivia and other cultured present-day characters, the absurd thought of supernatural influences on modern times works against logic—right into the hands of darker characters who want to control current event

TheBlackList Evaluation: "pilot offers what seems to be a fairly authentic look at a world that hasn't been explored much on TV. ...has the makings of an excellent series premise, especially when tied into the bizarre and intriguing Faustian bargain... script wisely employs plenty of jargon and authentic terminology/methodology in the characters' dialogue and work...that creates a world that feels flawlessly realistic. On a character level, there are interesting dynamics established, particularly with regard to access—which in this world translates roughly to power. Who's allowed to see certain paintings, or meet their owners, often defines their place in the hierarchy of this world...something hinted at when Warren tries to withhold information from [Olivia] on the basis of her title ...script captures the scope of the story it wants to tell nicely, with little links between characters revealing themselves effectively...creating almost a tapestry effect."

TheBlackList on the Mini-Bible: "mythology laid out in this bible is fascinating stuff... great backstory... could be something pretty impressive here")

GALERIJ