The Unknown Masterpiece

Le Chef-d’œuvre inconnu (English The Unknown Masterpiece) is a short story by Honoré de Balzac. Young Nicolas Poussin, as yet unknown, visits the painter Porbus in his workshop. He is accompanied by the old master Frenhofer, who comments expertly on the large tableau that Porbus has just finished. The painting is of Mary of Egypt, and while Frenhofer sings her praises, he hints that the work seems...