An emancipated restorer restores rare castle frescoes in an ancient village with figures of ancient heroines - and one of them, Penelope, resembles an old woman who has been waiting for the return of her husband and son for forty years, who have supposedly gone to work in America.

Levoča, first half of the 16th century. Master Paul creates his most famous work - a late Gothic altar in the Church of St. James. He has just recruited the carving companion Kristof into his service.