A Work of Art (Chekhov)
Short summary
Russia, late 19th century. Sasha Smirnov came to thank the doctor who had saved his life.
As a token of gratitude, he brought an antique bronze candelabra featuring two nude female figures in provocative poses. Dr. Koshelkov was embarrassed by the risqué gift.
The doctor protested that it was inappropriate for his family home, but Sasha insisted. Unable to refuse, the doctor accepted the candelabra and then gave it to his lawyer friend Uhov. The lawyer was delighted but also found it too scandalous to keep at home. He passed it to a comedian as a benefit gift. The actor, also unable to display such an item in his private flat, sold it to an old woman who dealt in antique bronzes. Two days later, Sasha burst into the doctor's office with exciting news.
Doctor! imagine my delight! Happily for you we have succeeded in picking up the pair to your candelabra! Mamma is so happy.... I am the only son of my mother, you saved my life....
The doctor opened his mouth but could not speak, realizing the candelabra had returned to him.
Detailed summary
Division into chapters is editorial.
The scandalous gift: Sashas inappropriate token of gratitude
Sasha Smirnov arrived at the consulting-room carrying something wrapped in newspaper. He came to thank the doctor for saving his life during a dangerous illness.
Sasha explained that he and his mother were poor and could not repay the doctor with money, so they wanted to present him with a valuable antique bronze that had belonged to his deceased father, who used to buy and sell such items to connoisseurs.
When Sasha unwrapped the object, it revealed itself to be an old bronze candelabra featuring two female figures in the costume of Eve in suggestive poses, supporting the candlestick.
The serpent-tempter himself could not have invented anything worse.... Why, to put such a phantasmagoria on the table would be defiling the whole flat.
Sasha defended the piece as artistic, praising its beauty and elegance, but the doctor protested that he was a family man with children and ladies visiting. Despite his objections, Sasha insisted, reminding him that they were giving their most precious possession. The doctor reluctantly accepted, unable to argue further.
The unwanted present makes its rounds through the town
After Sasha left, the doctor stared at the candelabra for a long time, acknowledging it was superb but impossible to keep. He decided to give it to his friend, a lawyer who managed his legal business. Since the lawyer was a bachelor and easy-going, the doctor thought it would be suitable. He took the candelabra to his friend's home.
The lawyer was moved to indescribable delight when he saw the bronze, exclaiming over its exquisite craftsmanship. However, he timidly explained that he could not accept it because his mother visited sometimes, as did his clients, and he would be ashamed for his servants to see it. The doctor insisted vigorously, calling him piggish and declaring it a work of art. When the lawyer suggested plastering it over or adding fig-leaves, the doctor gestured even more violently and rushed out, glad to be rid of the present.
The lawyer examined the candelabra and pondered what to do with it. He decided to give it to a comedian named Shashkin, who was fond of such things and had a benefit performance that evening. The lawyer took the carefully wrapped candelabra to the actor's dressing-room.
Throughout the evening, men besieged the comedian's dressing-room to admire the present, filling it with enthusiastic laughter. When actresses approached and asked to come in, the comedian's husky voice immediately replied that he was not dressed.
Well what am I to do with the horrid thing? Why, I live in a private flat! Actresses come and see me! It's not a photograph that you can put in a drawer!
After the performance, the comedian complained about what to do with the object. His hairdresser advised him to sell it to an old woman who bought antique bronzes, a certain Madame Smirnov whom everyone knew. The actor followed this advice.
Full circle: the candelabra returns with its matching pair
Two days later, the doctor sat in his consulting-room meditating when Sasha Smirnov burst in, beaming with happiness and trembling with gratitude. He announced that he and his mother had succeeded in finding the matching pair to the candelabra. His mother was overjoyed at this discovery.
Sasha set the second candelabra before the doctor, completing the pair.
The doctor opened his mouth, tried to say something, but said nothing: he could not speak.