The Goldfinch by Carel Fabritius was painted in 1654.  It is also one of the main characters in Donna Tartt’s novel The Goldfinch.  The story is based on an arresting incident—shocking,  intriguing, and all  too plausible.  The novel is deeply sad in some parts, and funny in snippets.  The conclusion is well worth re-reading:  ruminations about great art, in general, and The Goldfinch, in particular.