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How does Behrman's last painting become a masterpiece and save a life in "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry?

Behrman's last painting becomes a true masterpiece because it is painted as an act of faith and because his art, in this most perfect form, is itself an act of love.


Twentieth-century author Truman Capote wrote,



Any work of art, provided it springs from a sincere motivation to further understanding between people, is an act of faith and, therefore, an act of love.



Working with Capote's definition of art, Behrman's creative gesture of painting the leaf onto the window so Johnsy will not despair and die is truly an act of unselfish love.
Moreover, his heroic gesture of placing himself in health-threatening conditions by climbing a ladder and subjecting himself to the brutal cold and wet winter weather demonstrates his deep love for the young woman. This demonstration of unselfish love, this work of art — a solitary, stalwart leaf of yellow and green that clings to its stem against the building — is, indeed, the masterpiece Behrman has waited to paint for twenty-five years. 


When Sue learns what Mr. Behrman has done for Johnsy and his ultimate sacrifice for her, she tells Johnsy, "Ah, darling, it's Behrman's masterpiece."

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