In the world of art the characters of the novel play out their lives, embroiled in love and intrigue. Waxing philosophical and examining the psychology of art, the men and the women in these pages seek answers to the meaning of life as they span the globe haunted by their past and looking toward the future. Among them: Holden Heyworth, a world-famous artist, struggling with his fame for his artistic individuality. An unexpected true love stimulated a splash of his ability, but it turned out unrealizable for him. Robert Schwartz, a talented artist-immigrant. He wants to be famous and now, finally, success seems within his reach...but at what price? His wife Rose, who is just a wrinkle away from finding her happiness. Max Werner, a collectioner and philanthropist whose happy social life cannot compensate the disintegration of his own family.
These personages and many others are brought so vividly to life that the reader shares with the characters in the novel fears, hopes and the courage that daily survival entails.
