To Nicol

Plot Summary

Artist Igor Gusev became popular in Europe, but continues to live in his native Odessa, although every day in this city gives him pain. Odessa is barbarously disfigured by the destruction of the historical fund and the construction of a mediocre new building. The artist is looking for a nature for the ordered painting, and this search revives old wounds in his soul, recalling decay, aging and death.