The life and art of the quintessential 17th century Dutch painter Rembrandt.
Rembrandt's early life, competitive friendship with artist Jan Lievens, and arrival in Amsterdam, where he makes his name as a portraitist for hire.
After completing his masterpiece The Night Watch, Rembrandt suffers a personal tragedy, enters a forbidden relationship with his servant girl, and becomes heavily indebted, slowly ruining his reputation.
Facing bankruptcy and debtor's prison, Rembrandt pulls a scheme to provide for his family in his twilight years. Unfortunately, while his art never suffers, both his reputation and family end up paying the ultimate price.