Work of art (story)

A.P. Chekhov's story “A Work of Art” was written in 1886, first published in 1886 in the magazine “Shards” No. 50 dated December 13 with the signature of A. Chekhonte, in 1887 it was included in the collection “Innocent Speeches”, in 1891 - in the collection "Variegated stories", entered the publication of A. F. Marx.

Publisher N. A. Leikin wrote to Chekhov in 1886: “Your last story is very funny. The censor missed him, dying out only two words: "heavenly" - the serpent should not be heavenly - and "robbed." These are the stories just for humorous magazines and it is necessary. "

During Chekhov's life, the story was translated into Bulgarian, German, Norwegian, Polish, Romanian and Czech.

The critic Y. V. Abramov wrote about Chekhov’s story “A Work of Art”: “... among his works there are a certain number of gizmos imbued with the most fun, most carefree humor - those that really were in place in the humorous publications ... But also in these, in essence, completely innocent in the plot, works, something more is already noticed than the innocent exhortation of curious phenomena of life ” ^[1] .

The story begins in Dr. Koshelkov’s office. Sasha Smirnov came to him with a package from the “Exchange statements”. The boy conveyed gratitude from the mother to the doctor for the cure and the package, in which was a candelabrum of old bronze. “Two female figures in Eve's costumes were depicted on the candelabra ... The figures smiled coquettishly and in general had the appearance that, if it weren’t for the obligation to support the candlestick, it would seem that they would jump off the pedestal and make a brawl in the room ...”.

The doctor for a long time refused the gift, but the boy, complaining that there was no couple for the candelabra, insisted and left his bag. After the patient left, the doctor began to think - who would give the candelabrum to. And found it. He gave it to a friend - lawyer Ukhov. From Ukhov, the work of art passed to comedian Shashkin, who, in turn, sold it to Mrs. Smirnova, collecting ancient bronze.

Two days later, Sasha Smirnov again came to Dr. Koshelkov. In his hands was the same candelabrum! He said: “Doctor! Imagine my joy! Luckily for you, we managed to get a pair for your candelabra! .. Mother is so happy ... I’m the only son from my mother ... you saved my life ... ”The doctor couldn’t answer anything.

• 1953 - Work of Art (TV) (USA), directors Eddie Davis, John Gillermin (TV series “Your Favorite Play”

In 1959, based on the story of A.P. Chekhov's "Work of Art", a short film of the same name was shot. Director: Mark Kovalev. In the role of Sasha Smirnov - Evgeny Leonov , in the role of Dr. Ivan Nikolaevich - Sergey Martinson .

• 1975 - Work of art / Taiteen tuote (TV) (Finland), director

• Chekhov A.P. Work of art // Chekhov A.P. Complete Works and Letters: In 30 vols. Works: In 18 vol. / Academy of Sciences of the USSR. Institute of World Lite. them. A. M. Gorky. - M .: Nauka, 1974-1982.

• Chekhov A.P. Work of art . Original Russian text