The Portrait

Summary

A young artist named Chartkov buys a strange portrait of an old man with a demonic gaze at the Sukharevsky market. He soon discovers that the portrait possesses mystical properties: it brings wealth and success to its owner, but in exchange, it destroys their soul. Succumbing to temptation, Chartkov becomes famous and wealthy but loses his talent and inner harmony. Eventually, he realizes his mistake, but it is already too late. The portrait continues its sinister mission, passing on to a new owner.