LITERATURE ON ART
(from the book "Secrets of the Heart"
by A.Lopatina and M.Skrebstova)

HEALING STILL-LIFE PAINTING

A.Lopatina

The old bus, slipping on a snow covered road, finally entered the city. Many children rescued from the blockade were sitting inside. Neither did they run, nor play nor laugh. Many were very unhealthy and could hardly walk. They were like old men. Part of the hospital was dedicated to these rescued children who were all in need of urgent medical help.

In this small town one almost could not feel the war. Bread was in very short supply, but everyone grew potatoes and cabbages. Therefore, after the news of the rescued children spread, people started bringing to the hospital all they could spare. One carried a small bag of potatoes, another brought a bucket containing salty mushrooms, whilst others brought bunches of healing herbs. Gradually the children started recovering.

The old man, once a director of the local museum, came to the hospital saying:

“I wish to help your children too.”

The nurse laughed at his offer, saying:

“How? You don`t even have your own garden. You don`t grow anything. You are starving. How can you help our children?”

“It`s true “ said the old man, “I didn`t have time to start my own garden as I spent all my time in the museum collecting pictures. But you know, pictures can sometimes be more necessary than bread.”

”I don`t think so,” the nurse scornfully said.

However, the head doctor at the hospital had a different opinion, and not before too long the warmly wrapped queue of children were being dragged behind the old man towards the museum. Only the smallest child, a five year old girl, Anna, remained in hospital because she was so weak that she could not walk.

It was so cold in the museum that the children did not take off their coats and warm caps. The old director brought them to the portrait of a well-known scientist and with enthusiasm began to explain how this world-renowned person came to present his portrait to this museum. Suddenly, the director noticed two boys, after whispering to each other, disappearing from the room. Then another child quietly went out of the room…then another. By the time the director had finished his story, only a few children were left standing by the portrait.

- Hmm, perhaps the nurse was right. Children can't be interested in
paintings whilst they are so weak and unhealthy, - sighed the director.

One can imagine his surprise when he found that they were in the next hall. All the children had crowded before a big still-life picture on which a vase of fruit was presented. The children could not tear their eyes off this painting.

“Why are the green berries shining?”, softly asked the little boy

“These are grapes, and its berries are shining in the sun. Because they grew under the sun they became sweeter than sugar.”, whispered the older girl.

“If only we could get some of these berries for our Anna, she surely would rise at once from her bed,” pensively exclaimed one of the children.

“Please keep silent. Don`t disturb us as we look at this beauty” said another child.

For ten more minutes the children looked at this still-life painting, then all said goodbye to the director and went back to the hospital.

In an hour, the director of the museum returned to the hospital with a package in his hand. He went straight to the big room where the children were. Here he saw all of them crowded around Anna`s bed, excitedly telling her what they had seen at the museum.

“And grapes are sweeter than honey!” one said.

“Those berries were shining!”, said another.

“You know, pears are yellow, I tried them before the war. They are very sweet.” Said a third.

The doctor, noticing the director, said with gratitude:

“Thank you so much. We just can`t recognize our children today. Their cheeks are so red and they are so excited. They are speaking with such interest and enthusiasm. Dear director, you are such a wizard!”

“Thank you for your kind words,” modestly replied the director. “I have brought one painting. Can you please help me hang it up? I understand that my request is probably not according to the hospital regulations. But children can`t live without fruit,” he added.

This huge still-life painting was hung up in the most visible place. Next morning the doctor came to the children's room and saw Anna, together with the little boy, standing and looking at the picture. The doctor could not believe his eyes – how is it possible? For many weeks she was lying flat in bed. She couldn`t even stand up. Then the doctor heard her saying:

”Again, I choose this lemon.”

“Rather choose this delicious plum. You can't imagine how sweet it is. A lemon is very sour. You tasted it yesterday,” persuaded the kid.

“Well, so what if it is sour. But the lemon is very good for health. It is full of vitamins, especially vitamin C. My mum was always telling me about it. Look at me, I ate it yesterday, and see, my legs are now stronger than steel. I can now walk. Therefore I'm choosing lemon again.”

The doctor quietly closed the door. and thought:

"It would be great if pictures were hanging in all hospitals," he thought to himself.

:::

next story about art and paintings

:::