The Painting
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man whom, 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, 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 as the masterpieces 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 hands. He introduced himself to the father
by saying, I am a friend of your sons. I was the one your son rescued before
he died. I have something to give you. May I come in? As the two began to
talk, the soldier told of how his son had told everyone of his and his
father's love of fine art. I am 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 grieving father 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 tens of
thousands of dollars worth of art. His task completed,the old 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 his 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, that with the collector's passing, and his
only son dead, 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 the 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. So much anticipation of
dreams being fulfilled on this day. So much of the world was eager for the
greatness that would be achieved by the claims of a selected few to have the
finest, greatest collection of art masterpieces. Finally the day arrived. 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, but the
room was silent. "Who will open the bidding with $100?," he asked.
Minutes passed, and no one spoke. From the back of the room came a
voice, "Who cares about that painting? It's just a picture of his son."
"Let's forget about it and move on to the good stuff," said another.
More voices echoed in agreement. "No, we must sell this one first, as
specified in the old man's will," replied the auctioneer."Now, who will
take the son?" Finally, a neighbor 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 bidding on the real treasures."
The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced that 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 worth of art here. I demand that you
explain what is going on!"
The auctioneer replied, "It's very simple. According to the will of the
father, whoever takes the son takes all."