'Picture Dealer' by Robert Service

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Rhymes of a RoughneckThere were twin artists A. and B.
Who painted pictures two,
And hung them in my galley
For everyone to view;
The one exhibited by A.
The name "A Sphere" did bear,
While strangely brother B's display
Was catalogued: "A Square".Now although A. (and this is queer)
Could squeeze a pretty tube,
The picture that he called a Sphere
Was blocky as a cube;
While B. (though no hint he disclosed
To pull the public leg)
The Square he placidly exposed
Was oval as an egg.Thought I: To sell these pictures two
I never will be able;
There's only one thing I can do,
That's change around the label.
The rotund one I called a Sphere,
The cornered one a Square . . .
And yet, I thought: It's very queer,
Unbought they linger there.Then strange as it may well appear,
Derision did I bare,
And blandly dubbed the Square a Sphere
And tabbed the Sphere a Square.
Behold the answer I had found,
For to my glad dismay
The curious came crowding round:
A sold the daubs next day.Well, maybe A. and B. were right,
Not mugs like you and me,
With something missing in our sight
That only artists see.
So what it is and what it ain't
I'll never more discuss . . .
These guys believe in what they paint,
Or . . . are they spoofing us?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Picture Dealer: An Analysis of Service's Masterpiece

When it comes to poetry, one cannot ignore the legendary Robert Service, who has gifted the world with several masterpieces that continue to inspire millions. In this literary criticism, we will explore Service's renowned work Poetry, Picture Dealer, and understand its themes, symbolism, and the overall message it conveys.

The Poem

Before we dive deep into analyzing the poem, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the words that Service has woven together. Here's the complete poem:

I bought a picture at a sale
It cost a pretty price I guess,
But then I never was one of those
Who care about economy.
The dealer swore it was a Van
(It was a wonderful night in June)
But as I am not versed in Art
I cannot certify it true.

I hung the picture in my den
(It was a wonderful night in June)
And though I cannot quite define
The subject matter of the piece,
It has a something--call it charm
(It was a wonderful night in June)
That holds me as a bird is held
A captive in a cruel snare.

I've had a score of men to see
(It was a wonderful night in June)
And every one went wild about
The masterpiece that I possess.
They called it rare and wonderful
(It was a wonderful night in June)
And spoke of figures in the work
That my untrained eye could not see.

But yesterday a friend of mine
(It was a wonderful night in June)
Who owns a gallery uptown,
Dropped in to spend a social hour.
He took one look, and to my shame,
Declared it was a wretched fake.
And then he pointed out to me
The daubs and smirches of the fraud.

I bought a picture at a sale
(It was a wonderful night in June)
And though I cannot prove it so
My heart still whispers it's a Van.
But what's the odds? I love it still
(It was a wonderful night in June).

Analysis

Themes

The poem revolves around various themes, including the concept of value, the importance of art, and the subjectivity of beauty. The protagonist of the poem buys a picture at a sale, which he believes is a Van Gogh, and despite being told that it's a fake, he continues to love it. This highlights the idea that the monetary value of art doesn't necessarily determine its worth, and beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.

Symbolism

The picture that the protagonist buys represents art as a whole, and its value in society. The fact that he believes it to be a Van Gogh emphasizes the value that society places on certain artists and their works. The fake painting, however, highlights the possibility of deception and how the monetary value of art can be manipulated. The smirches and daubs that the friend points out represent the flaws that we often overlook when we are mesmerized by a work of art.

Message

The poem conveys the message that the value of art lies in its ability to evoke emotions in the viewer, rather than its monetary worth. The protagonist's love for the painting continues even after he knows that it's a fake, emphasizing the idea that our emotional connection to art is what truly matters. The poem also highlights the importance of expertise in recognizing the worth of art, as the protagonist's untrained eye couldn't identify the flaws in the painting.

Interpretation

Poetry, Picture Dealer is a profound work of art that challenges our perception of value and beauty. Service's use of symbolism and imagery adds layers of meaning to the poem, making it a masterpiece in its own right. The poem also emphasizes the importance of expertise in recognizing the worth of art, while also highlighting the subjective nature of beauty. The protagonist's love for the painting despite its flaws is a beautiful reminder that true beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.

The poem also has a wider message that extends beyond the world of art. It highlights the importance of recognizing the flaws in something that we love, and how our emotional connection to it can sometimes cloud our judgment. The protagonist's unwavering love for the painting despite being told that it's a fake is a powerful reminder of how our emotional connections can sometimes be stronger than our rational judgment.

In conclusion, Poetry, Picture Dealer is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that challenges our perception of value and beauty. Service's masterful use of symbolism and imagery adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Picture Dealer: A Masterpiece by Robert Service

If you are a fan of poetry, then you must have heard of Robert Service, the Canadian poet who is known for his captivating and vivid storytelling. One of his most famous works is the Poetry Picture Dealer, a poem that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers even today.

The Poetry Picture Dealer is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man who sells pictures that are actually poems. The protagonist of the poem is a man who is not content with his mundane life and seeks to find a way to make a living doing what he loves. He decides to become a poetry picture dealer and travels from town to town, selling his wares to anyone who will listen.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which tells a different part of the story. In the first part, we are introduced to the protagonist and his desire to become a poetry picture dealer. He is a man who is tired of his ordinary life and wants to do something that will make him stand out. He decides to sell pictures that are actually poems, and he sets out on his journey.

In the second part of the poem, we see the protagonist in action. He travels from town to town, selling his poetry pictures to anyone who will listen. He is a master salesman, and he knows how to capture the attention of his audience. He tells stories and recites poems, and he uses his words to paint vivid pictures in the minds of his listeners.

The third part of the poem is the climax, where the protagonist meets his match in the form of a skeptical customer. This customer challenges the protagonist to prove that his pictures are actually poems, and the protagonist rises to the challenge. He recites a poem that perfectly describes the picture, and the customer is convinced. The protagonist has proven that his pictures are indeed poems, and he has won the admiration of his audience.

The Poetry Picture Dealer is a masterpiece of storytelling, and it is easy to see why it has become one of Robert Service's most famous works. The poem is full of vivid imagery and captivating storytelling, and it is a testament to Service's skill as a poet.

One of the most striking things about the poem is the way that Service uses language to create vivid pictures in the minds of his readers. He uses words like "crimson," "azure," and "golden" to describe the colors in his pictures, and he uses phrases like "a sea of faces" and "a sky of blue" to create a sense of atmosphere and mood.

Another thing that makes the poem so powerful is the way that it captures the human desire for something more. The protagonist is a man who is not content with his ordinary life, and he seeks to find a way to make a living doing what he loves. This is a universal desire that many people can relate to, and it is what makes the poem so compelling.

The poem also has a strong message about the power of words. The protagonist is able to sell his pictures because he is a master of words. He knows how to use language to create vivid pictures in the minds of his listeners, and he uses this skill to sell his wares. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of language and the impact that it can have on our lives.

In conclusion, the Poetry Picture Dealer is a masterpiece of poetry that continues to inspire readers even today. It is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet and storyteller, and it captures the human desire for something more. The poem is full of vivid imagery and powerful messages, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry.

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