Why is art necessary? And what is the immeasurable value of the masterpieces of world culture, if many years ago, during the Great Patriotic War, the Hermitage staff did everything to save them? Over a million exhibits were evacuated in just one week. And they are safely hidden in the Urals, in the city where another Hermitage center has opened today. In the film, the events of three times. The 17th century is the moment of the creation of the unique painting “The Return of the Prodigal Son”, the 20th century is the terrible war and the famous Nuremberg trials of German war criminals and, finally, the Hermitage, its keepers and youth in the 21st century, which will have to figure it out in many ways.

A young man from childhood has shown a talent for painting, he enters a prestigious art school in Moscow. Then the university and an internship under the cultural exchange program in New York (USA). The classical school and perseverance are doing their job. He is a young but already sought-after artist, leading galleries collaborate with him, customers are standing in line. And he returns to his homeland and paints the picture "The Triumph of the Russian Fleet", which completes his studies. This is how the great artist Vasily Nesterenko was born.

The film is dedicated to everyone who looks to the future, their own, their family and country. It will give any viewer inspiration and awaken the spirit of the search.