Abbaye, a master artist, was ready to retire in 1392.One day, Bartoli, a rich Italian merchant, 1him saying, “Could you 2 my portrait on my banquet room wall? It's 20 feet tall.”
“I'm ready to retire，” Abbaye shook his head, “so I'm not 3.” But seeing the disappointment in Bartoli's eyes, he 4 his mind.“Well, there's a possibility if you can find it in your 5to allow me to explore the6of my abilities.Furthermore, only I can see your 7.So I insist that while I work your portrait I stay 8—even from you！”
“No problem，” Bartoli agreed, though he thought it was 9.“Anything you wish, but it must look realistic.”
Immediately the master artist 10 a high curtain in front of the wall, through which Bartoli couldn't see at all.
A week passed.“How is it coming？” asked the 11 Bartoli.
“It's coming quite well.You see, a masterpiece 12 quite a while at least.” Abbaye answered from behind the 13.
Another three, four weeks passed and 14 half a year went by.Bartoli lost his 15.“Today I must see it！” he shouted.
Stepping from behind the curtain 16 surprised by such anger, Abbaye said calmly, “That's fine.You needed only to request it.” And he 17 aside the 20foot curtain.
Bartoli stared at the masterpiece and then his mouth 18 open.He was obviously so angry that his eyes 19 red.So what was wrong? Abbaye had drawn to his heart's20 for 20 feet tall.Perhaps Bartoli couldn't tolerate his abstract expression, which Picasso would have been proud of.
