Honoré de Balzac

A New York Review Books Original One of Honore de Balzac's most celebrated tales, "The Unknown Masterpiece" is the story of a painter who, depending on one's perspective, is either an abject failure or a transcendental genius--or both. The story, which has served as an inspiration to artists as various as Cezanne, Henry James, Picasso, and New Wave director Jacques Rivette, is, in critic Dore Ashton's words, a "fable of modern art." Published here...

"Two very intelligent, very idealistic young women leave the convent school wherethey became the fastest of friends to return to their families and embark on theirnew lives. For Renee de Maucombe, this means an arranged marriage with a countrygentleman of Provence, a fine if slightly dull man for whom she feels admirationbut nothing more. Meanwhile, Louise de Chaulieu makes for her family's house inParis, intent on enjoying her freedom to the fullest:...