The year is 1893, and struggling artist Charles Delaware Tate works alone in a garret in New York City. Frustrated by his lack of artistic genius, he seems doomed to a life of misery and failure. And then he meets Eloise Verinder...and his whole world changes. The year is 1920. Charles Delaware Tate now lives alone in a sanatorium. But he's still painting, creating extraordinary works of art. Even though he is completely blind. A new nurse arrives, eager to hear the story of Charles' rise and fall...and of his first encounter with Count Petofi...