Rembrandt's early life, competitive friendship with artist Jan Lievens, and arrival in Amsterdam, where he makes his name as a portraitist for hire.

After completing his masterpiece The Night Watch, Rembrandt suffers a personal tragedy, enters a forbidden relationship with his servant girl, and becomes heavily indebted, slowly ruining his reputation.

Facing bankruptcy and debtor's prison, Rembrandt pulls a scheme to provide for his family in his twilight years. Unfortunately, while his art never suffers, both his reputation and family end up paying the ultimate price.