Do you believe that artistic talent is something you’re born, or can we develop it over time? Any examples around you?
Dant Gabriel Rossetti, born in 1828, was a famous artist from the 19th century for being not only a poet (诗人) but also a painter. One day, he had an elderly strange visitor. The old man had some paintings that he wanted Rossetti to look at and tell him if they were any good.
Rossetti looked them over carefully. After the first view, he knew that they were very common ones, showing not the least sign of artistic talent. But Rossetti was kind, and he told the elderly man as gently as possible that the paintings were without much value. The visitor appeared to be very sad.
However, he held back his feelings. Then he said sorry to Rossetti for taking up his valuable time, but asked if he could just look at a few more drawings — these were from a young art student. Rossetti looked over the second group of pictures and soon became very interested in them. “These,” he said, “oh, these are very good. This young student has great talent in art. He should keep drawing and continue working as an artist. He will have a great future if he works hard and sticks to it.”
Rossetti could see that the old man was deeply moved. “Who is this fine young artist?” Rossetti asked. “Your son?”
“No,” said the old man sadly. “It is me — 40 years ago. If only I had heard your words then! For you see, I got discouraged (泄气的) and gave up soon.”
9. Why did the elderly man come to visit Rossetti?
A.To buy some of Rossetti’s famous paintings. |
B.To invite Rossetti to write poetry for his paintings. |
C.To sell some of his early drawings to Rossetti. |
D.To have Rossetti value some paintings and drawings. |
10. What did Rossetti think of the first group of paintings?
A.They must come from a famous artist’s hand. |
B.They had little value and showed no artistic. |
C.They showed great artistic skill with much value. |
D.They were better than some art students’ paintings. |
11. Who made the second group of drawings?
A.Rossetti’s son. |
B.The visitor’s son. |
C.The visitor when he was 40 years old. |
D.The visitor when he was 40 years younger. |
12. What can we learn from the visitor’s words in the last paragraph?
A.He wished that he never heard Rossetti’s words. |
B.He discouraged his son from learning art. |
C.He feels sorry for not sticking to his art dream. |
D.He feels sad that he didn’t have any artistic. |