Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads
Search by: Title, Author or Keyword

The Hidden Masterpiece   By: (1799-1850)

Book cover

In The Hidden Masterpiece, Honoré de Balzac takes readers on a captivating journey into the world of art, passion, and the ever-elusive pursuit of perfection. Set in 17th-century Paris, this novella delves deep into the complexities of artistic creation and the struggles artists face in their quest for artistic genius.

The story revolves around Frenhofer, a talented and renowned painter who has secluded himself from society while endeavoring to complete his masterpiece. Balzac masterfully showcases the internal battle between Frenhofer's desire for artistic perfection and his fear of falling short. As the artist becomes increasingly engrossed in his work, he begins sacrificing social interactions and relationships, venturing into a realm where art takes precedence over everything else.

Through the character of Poussin, a young painter who admires Frenhofer's talent, Balzac explores the price one must pay for artistic brilliance. Poussin finds himself captivated by Frenhofer's passion and ambition, yet also deeply disturbed by the toll it takes on his mentor's mental and emotional well-being. As the novella unfolds, readers are left pondering the sacrifices artists must make in their pursuit of greatness and the possible consequences of such obsession.

Balzac's evocative prose successfully transports readers into the heart of 17th-century Paris, vividly describing its vibrant art scene and the struggle within Frenhofer's isolated studio. The author's deep understanding of human emotions shines through, as he expertly conveys the conflicting desires – the yearning for perfection, the fear of failure, and the immense pressure that accompanies artistic creation.

The Hidden Masterpiece also serves as an exploration of the role of women in art, as Balzac introduces the enigmatic character of Gillette, Frenhofer's lover. Gillette's presence signifies the influence and muses that often inspire artists, simultaneously revealing the vulnerability and power they possess. Balzac masterfully blends sensuality and creativity, mirroring the duality of human nature and the complexities that come with artistic expression.

As with many of Balzac's works, The Hidden Masterpiece delves into the depths of human psychology and the consequences of passion taken to extreme lengths. Balzac's exploration of art and the struggles that accompany creativity resonates deeply with readers, raising profound questions about the nature of art and the price artists pay for their craft.

In this mesmerizing novella, Balzac not only provides an engrossing tale set against the backdrop of the art world but also offers readers a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of human ambition and the ultimate pursuit of artistic perfection. The Hidden Masterpiece is undoubtedly a work of literary art in its own right, showcasing Balzac's extraordinary storytelling abilities and his keen understanding of the human condition.

First Page:

THE HIDDEN MASTERPIECE

By Honore De Balzac

Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley

THE HIDDEN MASTERPIECE

CHAPTER I

On a cold morning in December, towards the close of the year 1612, a young man, whose clothing betrayed his poverty, was standing before the door of a house in the Rue des Grands Augustine, in Paris. After walking to and fro for some time with the hesitation of a lover who fears to approach his mistress, however complying she may be, he ended by crossing the threshold and asking if Maitre Francois Porbus were within. At the affirmative answer of an old woman who was sweeping out one of the lower rooms the young man slowly mounted the stairway, stopping from time to time and hesitating, like a newly fledged courier doubtful as to what sort of reception the king might grant him.

When he reached the upper landing of the spiral ascent, he paused a moment before laying hold of a grotesque knocker which ornamented the door of the atelier where the famous painter of Henry IV. neglected by Marie de Medicis for Rubens was probably at work. The young man felt the strong sensation which vibrates in the soul of great artists when, in the flush of youth and of their ardor for art, they approach a man of genius or a masterpiece. In all human sentiments there are, as it were, primeval flowers bred of noble enthusiasms, which droop and fade from year to year, till joy is but a memory and glory a lie... Continue reading book >>




eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook
• iBooks for iPhone and iPad
• Nook
• Sony Reader
Kindle eBook
• Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook
• Load eBook in browser
Text File eBook
• Computers
• Windows
• Mac

Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books