“The Unknown Masterpiece” is the best-known short story by Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850). First published in 1831, it was translated in English by Katharine Prescott Wormeley (1830-1908) in 1885.The story is about the creative process of painting. It is usually read as suggestive narrative parable of contemporary art. “The Unknown Masterpiece” has inspired numerous artists, such as Pablo Picasso, who painted a famous picture on the theme. In 1991, it has been adapted for the screen, with the movie “La Belle Noiseuse”, starring Emmanuelle Béart.This edition also contains a biographic profile of Balzac written by George Saintsbury (1845–1933) in 1901.