Antwerp, the 1620s. Antonia grew up in the art world of her father Lucas Vorsterman, the engraver of the famous painter Rubens. She watches with suspicion the rivalry and jealousy between the artists, not least between her father and Rubens. Her life in Rubens' household changes drastically when Vorsterman confides in her a secret.

Antwerp, the present. Canadian art historian Charlotte investigates her hero, Rubens. She discovers a letter from Antonia about a stolen treasure from Rubens. In her perilous quest for the treasure, nothing is as it seems.