The Wooden Barrel

We think of the wooden barrel as a rather prosaic object in our lives. However, when the Chinese finally became acquainted with the wonders of the West, the simple barrel impressed them as a technical miracle.

Believe it or not. In a moment, I'll tell you about a priceless barrel. When Raphael, the great painter, saw a mother crooning to her infant while an older boy stood beside her, the sight so inspired him he decided to paint it.

Today, it ranks with the greatest masterpieces ever produced. It's known as Madonna de la Cidia. Raphael gave it away in payment for a 25-cent meal. As Raphael did not have a canvas or an easel at the time, he painted it on the round top of a wine cask, a simple barrel.

Believe it or not.