The Hidden Masterpiece

First published in 1831, this novella by best-selling author Honoré de Balzac deals with the theme of artistic creativity and appreciation. It tells the story of Nicholas Poussin, an art apprentice who decides to visit two famous Parisian painters named Porbus and Frenhofer. Eventually, the apprentice ends up disappointing them with the absurdity of his last painting and the feeling of failure pushes Frenhofer to commit suicide.