The novel explores the life and artistic journey of Edgar Degas, an important figure in the Impressionist circle. Set in bustling Paris during the 19th century, Degas finds inspiration in the vibrant city and its people, particularly the Parisian life. Unlike his contemporaries, Degas did not attend a traditional art school, but instead, he encountered fellow artists at the Café Guerbois, where their shared passion for art sparked a lasting friendship.
As Degas begins his artistic apprenticeship in the studio of Louis-Ernest Barrias, he immerses himself in the works of influential artists such as Ingres and the Old Masters.