Long before this painting became a universally recognized pop icon and while I was in graduate school in Michigan, I had the privilege of seeing it at a Dutch Masters Exhibit in Toronto. As I stood face to face with Carel Fabritius' "Goldfinch," it captured my heart, and affected me so deeply that I wanted to continue to enjoy its influence. I spent all the money I had left with me to buy a print of the painting at the museum gift shop. It was mounted on particle board and I was pleased that I would be able to hang it right away. 

From that day on, every time I moved the "Goldfinch" went with me. When I married my sweetheart and had children, it graced every home we established. When we left as missionaries for Togo, West Africa, the Goldfinch came too. When later we left for Cambodia and took only the most essential items, the Goldfinch made the cut without a moment's thought.

The little chained bird came with us as we flitted through 15 moves. We found that it was important that our children had at least a few things that didn't change in all these transitions, and ended up with three constants: our family, our little Australian terrier Jackaroo, and the "Goldfinch." As soon as the print was hung on the wall, we were home.

Now 38 years old, the print is faded and stained, too much so to be enjoyed as it once was. Had it been a higher quality print and not mounted on particle board, it would have lasted much, much longer. But then it wouldn't have been so easily packed and moved all over the world. 

There is no substitute for original art. If you've ever been to an art museum and seen a piece that you've enjoyed in print, you know what I mean. But when that original is out of your reach, for whatever reason, a print can be a wonderful solution. Prints are available in different sizes and in a range of quality and durability. No room for a huge painting that you love? A smaller print might be just the thing. Can't afford original art right now? A print can allow you to begin your art collection anyway.

We might be tempted to dismiss it as "only a print," but did our "Goldfinch" do less to grace our lives because it wasn't "real?" Of course not. It's quiet influence blessed each of our homes through many years. When an original just won't do, you don't have to settle for no art at all.

Never underestimate the power of a print.

(Prints are now available for select paintings here on my website.)