Zima Crenshaw, a junior curator at the University Museum, is challenged to find a valuable work of art from the Renaissance era. The painting has acquired a name, Giovane (pronounced Joe-Von), and has escaped from its owner's possession under unusual circumstances. When Zima sees a photograph of it, she is captivated by the painted image. Hunting Giovane becomes an obsession. In her search she encounters intriguing personalities, mysterious relationships, violence and murder, and a risk of great personal harm. Besides a hefty finder's fee, hunting Giovane earns her unexpected rewards-reconciliation with family and a romance: