The Artist at Work

"The Artist at Work" (Jonas, ou l'artiste au travail) is a short story by the French writer Albert Camus from Exile and the Kingdom (L'Exil et le royaume, 1957).

It has been described as "a satirical commentary on Camus’ personal experience among the Paris intellectual elite of the 1940s and 1950s".

His father owns a prestigious publishing company, but divorces his wife on the grounds of "adultery", in this case devoting herself entirely to helping the poor.

Within weeks, he finds himself besieged by hangers-on, advice seekers, fans, would-be lovers, new friends, and critics.

But, because of the height and darkness of the hallway, no one can see the painting of a dog nor can they get him to come down for meals, which Jonas's wife, Louise, hoists up to him.