Only real art is capable of inspiring one to great achievements. Daniil Granin devotes his novel “The Painting”, excerpts from which are presented in this publication, to the motivating power of art. The central character, Sergei Losev, chair of the executive committee of the provincial town of Lykov, goes to Moscow on a business trip, where he decides to visit an art exhibition before a conference. Only one painting draws his attention because he thinks that it shows a view familiar to him since childhood. It later transpires that on the paining is the famous mansion of Kislykh, an industrialist from Lykov. Once a gem of the town, it was under the threat of demolition. The valuable painting, on which the mansion is pictured at a time of wellbeing and prosperity, and the further fate of that place bring together the local residents. The reader will learn from the publication whether they were able to save Kislykh’s property.
Key words: D.A. Granin, novel, the power of art, saving the cultural heritage.