Tchartkov, talented but penniless young artist, finds himself in possession of a portrait representing an old man. This painting acquired for a pittance drew him because of his look larger than life, so true it causes discomfort and anxiety ("living eyes, they were human eyes"). Moreover Tchartkov scared and experiencing a night punctuated by very bad dreams (but are they really dreams?). In the morning, threatened with eviction by the owner may, with the portrait, not only pay its rent arrears but, yielding to the intoxication of money, and totally change your life ... losing his artistic soul talented the benefit of ease and worldly success. A fit of lucidity, many years later, cause his loss! Another meeting with Gogol I appreciate the writing and themes. Here the story of a painter, inevitably, found an echo in me. For both periods of discouragement experienced by the character (yes, it happens sometimes ^ ^ ') but also criticism that the author of worldliness and the ease at which yield some artists and j' sometimes observed in this environment. So I found the words of Gogol on this topic and very relevant today, or at least timeless!