The most frequently used adjective in describing this story by Roald Dahl is macabre. A former tattooist, who once had a struggling artist friend tattoo a picture of his wife on his back, has fallen on hard times. Destitute and too old to work, he comes across an exclusive gallery featuring an exhibition of his now famous friend’s work. He learns that his tattoo is now worth a small fortune, and is tempted by two offers to capitalize on its value. Themes include artistic struggle and appreciation, poverty, desperation, objectification, greed, temptation, deception.
Original Text / PDF / Audio (5,950 words)
Video Version
This episode from Series 2 of the Tales Of The Unexpected British television series includes a personal introduction by Roald Dahl. To add more interest for TV viewers, the relationship between Droli’s wife and the artist is considerably “spiced up”. Watch and enjoy!