Found Wanting by Carolyn Wells
A renowned sculptor struggles with the demand for a specific type of artistic creation, the anaglyptic ceroplastic bust, which he does not understand. Despite his exceptional skills in various mediums and his ability to create classical figures, he feels inadequate when faced with the unfamiliar terminology and expectations of his clients. His studio is filled with imaginative sculptures, including playful interpretations of mythological figures, yet these do not satisfy the market's desires. The sculptor's frustration grows as he grapples with the gap between his artistic prowess and the specific requests he cannot fulfill. This internal conflict leads him to abandon his tools, feeling defeated by the pressure to conform to trends he cannot grasp. The narrative explores themes of artistic identity, the challenges of meeting commercial demands, and the tension between creativity and marketability. Ultimately, the sculptor's journey reflects a broader commentary on the nature of art and the sometimes arbitrary standards imposed by society.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1920 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime Fiction · 286 words
First lines
There lived a wondrous sculptor once, a genius in his way, Named Phidias Praxiteles Canova Merryday. He sat within his studio and said, "I really must Begin a Rhodian anaglyptic ceroplastic bust.
"My customers demand them, their fame rings near and far, But then, alas, the trouble is, I don't know what they are. Though I could carve a Venus or a Belvedere with ease, My wondrous skill is lacking when it comes to carving these.
"I cast and cut and chisel, I model and I mould, I copy poses picturesque from studies new and old; In marble, bronze, and potter's clay, in wax and wood and stone I carve the old-time statues with improvements of my own.
What this Textopian page supports
Found Wanting is listed on Textopian as a short story by Carolyn Wells, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Carolyn Wells
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Crime Fiction, Thriller
- Length: 286 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Found Wanting by Carolyn Wells
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Mystery — The book is a mystery novel which revolves around events happening after a murder occurrence.
- Detective Fiction — The plot involves a police detective trying to solve a murder case.
- Crime Fiction — The storyline involves criminal acts, specifically murder.
- Thriller — The novel includes suspenseful and exciting scenes, characteristic of thrillers.
Tags
mystery · detective · crime · suspense · thriller · investigation · murder · plot twist · whodunit · fiction · literary · suspenseful