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"The Oval Portrait" is a story by Edgar Allan Poe about the tragic story of the creation of a mysterious portrait. It is one of his shortest stories. The first version of the story was called "Life in Death" and was published in Graham's Magazine in 1842. In a deserted castle, the narrator finds a portrait of a beautiful woman, the artist's wife. While creating the portrait, the artist did not notice how his beloved's strength was depleted. She died as soon as the last brushstroke was applied. The story is told in the narrator's voice. The author, travelling through the Apennines with his servant, is tired, feverish and wounded after an encounter with robbers. Not wanting to leave his master to spend the night in the open air, the narrator's valet breaks into the ancient castle without permission. The narrator tries to relieve his pain and fever with pure opium. The author suffers from insomnia and, in order to kill time, occupies himself by looking at the paintings in the room, checking them against a book of descriptions and stories of their creation. He draws attention to a portrait of a young beautiful woman, which he did not notice at first. The picture makes such a strong impression on the narrator that he is forced to close his eyes to sort out his feelings. Finally, he realises that the reason for his strange reaction is the amazing vibrancy of the portrait. Intrigued, the author turns to a reference book.

The Performer: Roman Molodiy
Duration: 12 minutes and 59 seconds