An Art Shop in Greenwich Village

"An Art Shop in Greenwich Village" by Ray Cummings is a captivating tale set in the artistic heart of Greenwich Village during the early 20th century, which spins a yarn of suspense and ethical conflict. The story follows a protagonist drawn into the shadowy depths of a peculiar art shop, where he meets an enigmatic old man peddling unsettling art and secretive stories of a painter named Pedro Vasquez y Carbajál. As the protagonist goes through the dimly lit shop, he uncovers a disturbing truth: the artist is using a young girl's life force to fuel his disturbing creations. This discovery forces the protagonist to confront the moral issues of art and exploitation, leading him to act to save the innocent girl, Malella, from the painter's clutches, in a thrilling escape focused on themes of morality and redemption.