In this witty drama, the future of art is examined from two vantage points: the years 1699 and 1999. Roland is an avant-garde artist in Venice, California whose sister, Countess Camilla Volta, lives on their family's estate in Venice, Italy. Their father, the Viscount, is near death, and he announces, to the disappointment of both his offspring, that his home and priceless collection of art have been bequeathed to the Italian government.