In Chaim Potok's "The Gift of Asher Lev," a discussion arises about the pressures artists face from external expectations. The character references a letter from Camille Pissarro to his son, revealing concerns about the art market's influence. Pissarro criticizes the practice of focusing solely on popular works, highlighting how collectors' preferences can constrain an artist's creativity.

Pissarro emphasizes that such demands can lead to a detrimental cycle where success inhibits originality. He questions how Monet could conform to these pressures, suggesting that the necessity to replicate previous successes is a troubling aspect of being a successful artist. This commentary serves as a reflection on the broader artistic struggle between personal expression and commercial viability.