Here is the reasoning behind the Salathé & White painting:

1. Everything is valued by the price someone is willing to pay. Art is no exception.
2. The longevity of a piece of art depends on its value, not its beauty. That's because beauty is in the eye of the beholder, while money is not.
3. The price someone is willing to pay is generally influenced by the price paid before.
4. Hence, the first price paid is crucial.
5. Ergo: the longevity of an artwork is crucially depending on the first price paid.

If you agree with this logic, that's because it is good logic.

If you disagree with this logic, that's because it is art.