They take the very figure which cannot be taken for their art, and then..." "And is it true that this Mihailov is in such poverty?" asked Vronsky, thinking that, as a Russian Maecenas, it was his duty to assist the artist regardless of whether the picture were good or bad.

"I should say not.

He's a remarkable portrait-painter.

Have you ever seen his portrait of Madame Vassiltchikova? But I believe he doesn't care about painting any more portraits, and so very likely he is in want.

I maintain that..." "Couldn't we ask him to paint a portrait of Anna Arkadyevna?" said Vronsky.