Nothing in this famous painting is what it seems.

A short video essay about the photo Grace by Eric Enstrom

[snowmamm]

I never knew the story behind that picture but it really doesn't matter to me. I have always loved that picture and it hangs in my dining room today. I'm 75 and have had that picture for 50 years and it always reminds me of being thankful for whatever we have, no matter how little.

[wildin]

This is insane! I have seen this image my whole life including in family homes. I never knew that the model is named Wildin...my last name is Wildin, so it might be my great great grandfather or something. I had to rewatch it to make sure I heard it correctly. I'll have to look into this more! Thanks for the informative video!

[susanfromthemountains]

I have never seen anyone talk about my picture that's been on my wall since 1987. Thank you! And as Paul Harvey would say, "And that's the rest of the story".

[kholbrook]

My Grandmother had this framed picture in her kitchen. I always loved looking at it. It actually gave me comfort.

[rebekahdavis]

Yep, my grandparents had this in their house and that's the message I always got from it. My grandparents were homesteaders so they were EVERY DAY about being grateful for the small or important things. I think it's pretty sad that this old man who probably didn't have many options in life and started drinking to numb himself was only given $5 and never knew the quiet but HUGE impact he had on generations of this country (US) . It's also fitting to the picture that the seemingly most downtrodden among us could teach us how to be grateful.

[jasonsliger]

My grandmother had this painting positioned on the wall close to the dining room table. After the blessing was said for the food, she’d look over at the painting and say poor ole thing, he didn’t have anything but a loaf of bread but he was thankful!

[dylanmcneill]

Maybe the real art was the friends we made along the way

[daffers]

My grandparents had one of those many, many colorized copies hanging in their old house. The house is long gone and who knows where their copy ended up, but I remember seeing it every time I visited. What a fascinating story!

[deannag]

I feel sad for the kindly man who sat for the photo. I am upset he was not paid fairly once the picture became popular!! The photographer should be ashamed. RIP kind gentleman 🙏 🕊✨️

[nobodyimportant]

I live in the US and I can honestly say I have never EVER seen this picture before today. How this seemingly common picture managed to go Undecided from me for this long? No idea, but now I know.
Thank you Austin!

[lastnamefirstname]

i apologize for having never seen or heard of this painting/photo, austin. thanks for telling this story, i'd never have known otherwise.

[lindakilmer]

Someone gifted a copy of this to my mother when my father passed. I now have it.

[hoborock]

Wall hangings and home decor were sold at "Home Interior" parties during the 80s (similar to Avon and Tupperware) .. I think my mom even sold it for awhile.. That's why you might see this same picture in every other grandma's house across the country.

[theotherme]

I hope to meet this old gentleman in heaven where he will be young with no more sorrow

[Emikomusic]

This was incredibly interesting. My grandparents had a copy of this hung in their dining room. Thanks for the video!

[kimalexander]

To the Americans, who say they’ve never seen that image before, I humbly encourage you to be more observant. You may be missing a lot of what goes on around you. I say that sincerely and without malice.

[markfoster]

While scrolling, there appeared the very art piece I’ve had for 20+ years ! It hangs in my home still to this day. Your video makes it more meaningful and thanks for explaining it’s origin story.

[rsvy]

My mom had a copy of this painting. Used to be a reminder of humility

[ConnorNotyerbidness]

I think this is mostly a midwest thing at this point

[Wolfiyeethegranddukecerberus]

I have literally never seen this painting in my entire life lol