The young Vanya Smurov is deeply attached to his mentor, Dr Larion Stroop, and to the world of Renaissance Art which the latter reveals to him. Initially appalled by the sudden discovery of Stroop's homosexual leanings, Vanya abandons him to pursue a 'normal', heterosexual existence. In turn disgusted by ensuing encounters, he returns to Dr Stroop and accompanies him to Italy where he begins his real education: both in the world of Art, and that of Hedonism.
