The Painting
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his
devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting.
Together they traveled around the world, adding only the
finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by
Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls
of the family estate. The widowed, elder man looked on with
satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art
collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind
caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art
collectors around the world.
As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young
man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks,
his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing
in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news,
fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his
fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a
fellow soldier to a medic. Distraught and lonely, the old
man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and
sadness. The joy of the season, a season that he and his son
had so looked forward to, would visit his house no longer.
On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the
depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the
masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his
son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was
greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand. He
introduced himself to the man by saying, "I was a friend of
your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I
come in for a few moments? I have something to show you." As
the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the man's son
had told everyone, of his and not to mention his father's,
love of fine art. "I'm an artist," said the soldier," and I
want to give you this." As the old man unwrapped the
package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the
man's son. Though the world would never consider it the work
of a genius, the painting featured the young man's face in
striking detail. Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the
soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace.
A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old
man set about his task. True to his word, the painting went
above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars of
paintings. Then, the man sat in his chair and spent
Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given.
During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized
that even though his son was no longer with him, the boy's
life would live on because of those he had touched. He would
soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded
soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart. As the
stories of his son's gallantry continued to reach him,
fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease the grief. The
painting of his son soon became his most prized possession,
far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums
around the world clamored. He told his neighbors it was the
greatest gift he had ever received.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed
away. The art world was in anticipation! Unmindful of the
story of the man's only son, but in his honor; those
paintings would be sold at an auction. According to the will
of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned on
Christmas day, the day he had received his greatest gift.
The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the
world gathered to bid on some of the world's most
spectacular paintings.
Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness would be
achieved as many would claim "I have the greatest
collection." The auction began with a painting that was not
on any museum's list. It was the painting of the man's son.
The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was
silent. "Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked.
Minutes passed. No one spoke. From the back of the room
came, "Who cares about that painting? It's just a picture of
his son. Let's forget it and go on to the good stuff." More
voices echoed in agreement. "No, we have to sell this one
first," replied the auctioneer. "Now, who will take the
son?" Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. "Will you take
ten dollars for the painting? That's all I have. I knew the
boy, so I'd like to have it." "I have ten dollars. Will
anyone go higher?" called the auctioneer. After more
silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice.
Gone." The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone
exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and bid on these
treasures!" The auctioneer looked at the audience and
announced the auction was over.
Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and
asked, "What do you mean it's over? We didn't come here for
a picture of some old guy's son. What about all of these
paintings? There are millions of dollars of art here! I
demand that you explain what's going on here!" The
auctioneer
replied, "It's very simple. According to the will of the
father, whoever takes the son . . . gets it all."
Author unknown. If anyone has a proprietary interest in this story please authenticate and I will be happy to credit, or remove, as the circumstances dictate.
WIT & WISDOM - October 5, 1998