Negotiator is not necessarily the role that first comes to mind

In an article in the September 22, 2016 issue of The Wall Street Journal about the exhibit “Jerusalem 1000- 1400: Every People Under Heaven” that recently opened at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (“Medieval Art from Jerusalem Opens Window on Past, by David Masello), it is noted that five 12th century capitals carved with scenes from the lives of the saints were acquired for the show due to the diplomatic bargaining skills of conservator Jack Soultanian who made a deal with the Franciscans of the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth where the sculptures were housed. We all know that conservators have many varied skills and play many roles, but negotiator is not necessarily the one that first comes to mind.