Super Genius in Romantic France
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Honor de Balzac's 1845 story "The Unknown Masterpiece" is an insight to an artist's bout with what is known as artistic genius. A young Nicolas Poussin is in search of a great master, Pourbus to study under. As he is on his way to meet the artist, he runs into Pourbus' own master, Frenhofer. As these new relationships evolve, Poussin comes to learn of a great masterpiece that Frenhofer has been feverishly trying to finish for 10 years. Frenhofer refuses to show this painting to anyone because it is not up to his standard of perfection. Frenhofer feels that this work Quarrelsome Beauty, of a woman who seems to exemplify the epitome of beauty, can never be achieved. Frenhofer deems that the idea of perfection can never be achieved because it is impossible to exist in the physical world. Poussin is yearning to see the great artist's work and is willing to allow his lover, Gilette, to pose nude for Frenhofer. He feels that because she has such great beauty, Frenhofer will be able to finish his great work and in turn show both Poussin and Pourbus the masterpiece. Finally, after much debate, Gilette poses for Frenhofer...