In Zagreb, 1898, the middle-aged Vlaho Bukovac is determined to leave his home because of envy and intrigues of environment, and move to his native Cavtat with his young wife Jelica and children. There, he remembers his exciting life and the incredible events through which he developed into a great painter, until he receives a message that he became professor at the Academy in Prague. Asked by student in Prague what's the secret of his success, Vlaho just smiles.

SYNOPSIS:

In Zagreb in 1898, the middle-aged Vlaho Bukovac, due to envy of environment, tells his wife Jelica that he is ready to move to his native Cavtat. There he remembers his life story. The boy Vlaho (1862) grows up, where he likes to draw rather than go to school. As 11-year-old, his father sends him to New York with his uncle and his bride, despite his mother's tears. A sensitive boy experiences incredible events - his uncle suddenly dies, and his aunt sends him to “college" which is actually a correctional home on isolated Hearts Island. There Vlaho endures a real torture. And so until a teacher asked him what he stole to be here. Soon he returns to his aunt in NY, where he works as some kind of maid, until as 15-year-old he returns to Cavtat alone, helping on board. Soon he goes to naval school and sails on a ship, where captain tortures him, until Vlaho falls and seriously injured. He recovers at home with mother's help, and decides to be a painter. He goes to Peru where he paints wagons in the factory. Then goes to California where he works everything he can, but also paints whenever he can. The first affirmations appear, but Vlaho returns to Europe to educate. He comes to Paris (1877) to professor Cabanel, who first rejects him, but when Vlaho brings the study of his left hand he painted helping by the mirror, it is clear to Cabanel he is a great talent. After three years Vlaho graduates. Among 20,000 artists in Paris at that time, he barely survives. Reading the novel in the newspaper, he gets an idea to paint the main woman character La Grande Iza. He meets Marie, who accepts to be a model. Soon La Grande Iza is accepted to the Paris Salon, but also became the main sensation, and Vlaho well-known painter. For next ten years, he paints all over Europe, and the prominent people pose to him. As his reputation grows, his relationship with Marie dilutes, until his desire for family became stronger. Their breakup goes in silence. In 1892 in Cavtat, Vlaho marries Jelica, and permanently settles in Zagreb. In 1898, they pack up to leave their home. In Cavtat, Vlaho looks at his family on the coast, remembering his life, when recieves a message that he became a professor at the Academy in Prague. Asked by one student what's the secret of his success, Vlaho just smiles.