The Prophetic Pictures (From "Twice Told Tales")

"The Prophetic Pictures (From 'Twice Told Tales') by Nathaniel Hawthorne" is a short story that is part of a collection commonly known as "Twice Told Tales," written during the early to mid-19th century. This tale explores themes of art, fate, and the deeper truths hidden beneath the surface of human experience. It delves into the idea of how a painter’s work can reflect not just the physical likeness of his subjects but also their inner emotions and destinies. In the narrative, young lovers Walter Ludlow and Elinor visit a gifted painter who possesses an extraordinary talent for capturing the essence of a person's soul in his portraits. As they sit for their paintings, the artist creates what he perceives, and the portraits begin to exhibit unsettling expressions that reflect the couple’s emotional states and future. Over time, the line between art and life blurs, leading to a chilling climax where Walter, influenced by the ominous reflection of his own portrait, confronts Elinor with a knife, mirroring the terrible fate depicted in the paintings. The story ultimately poses profound questions about free will and the power of prophecy as seen through the lens of art, leaving readers to ponder the fate intertwined with human desires. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Nathaniel Hawthorne was an American novelist and short story writer. His works often focus on history, morality, and religion.