Art Collector
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, a soldier greeted him 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, 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