In an Italian monastery, an infamous sculptor lays on his death bed. During Mimo's final hours, he reveals his life story: his impoverished childhood, his unlikely rise to fame and most importantly, his meeting with Viola, the daughter of a powerful aristocratic family. Mimo and Viola are instantly drawn to one another.

Together, they traverse the unrest of the twentieth century. While Mimo becomes a celebrated artist, Viola fights to claim her education and independence. Over the decades, they will lose and find each other, but never will they give up on the love they share.