A man encounters a portrait of his deceased enemy at an auction and decides to purchase it, intending to destroy it as a final act of vengeance. He only values the frame, planning to burn the canvas that depicts the face of someone who has wronged him deeply. However, life intervenes, and he becomes distracted by other responsibilities, delaying the destruction of the painting. Days turn into weeks, and the portrait remains untouched, eventually being hung by a servant in a corner of his home. The owner expresses his disdain for the painting, insisting it must be removed, but he continually forgets to act on his intention. Over time, the portrait becomes a fixture in his home, ignored and overlooked. When the man eventually passes away, the portrait remains, unnoticed and unremembered. It is only after his death that the painting is rediscovered, prompting visitors to question the nature of the relationship between the two men. The irony lies in the fact that the portrait, once a symbol of animosity, becomes a part of the man's legacy, leading others to ponder the complexities of human relationships and the passage of time. The work explores themes of memory, enmity, and the unintended consequences of our actions.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1891 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Drama