From Bjørnson's novels about romance in 19th century Norway. Thorbjörn Granliden is raised severely by his parents who notice that he is drawn to the sinister farmhand Aslak. After a fight with Thorbjörn's father, Aslak leaves the farm. Thorbjörn grows up and falls in love with the beautiful Synnöve.
Swedish painter Anders Zorn gained notoriety for his nudes. His works are currently worth millions. The film is set in the time when Zorn, already respected for his art, was commissioned to paint a portrait of the Swedish king. Though an excellent painter, Zorn's personal life is dreadful. A boozer and a womanizer who frequently cheats on his wife, Zorn constantly seeks approval for his art. When he travels to the U.S. for a tour he meets Emilie Bartlett the wife of sculptor Paul W. Bartlett with whom he begins a sporadic affair. After Paul commits suicide, Zorn and Emilie move to Sweden. Zorn disregards his wife's feelings and openly displays his affections for Emilie.
