The Unknown Masterpiece

“The Unknown Masterpiece” is a short story by Honore de Balzac in which young and aspiring artist Nicolas Poussin and established artist Francois Porbus attempt to catch a glimpse of legendary artist Frenhofer’s masterpiece, ten years in the making but seen by no one. When the story begins in 1612, Nicolas is attempting to make his way in Paris as an artist. He is young, full of passion, and is out to conquer the world. He is to meet with and study under the established royal court artist Porbus, but the visit is interrupted by the appearance of the elderly and legendary artist Frenhofer. Frenhofer is a master painter, is rich and is famous, but in old age has, in Porbus’s mind, gone crazy. Frenhofer is as quick to paint as he is to speak philosophically about art.