Born to a family of established court painters, a woman is forced to carry on her family name and take over her brother's life after he commits suicide.

Retired court painter Shin Han-pyeong seeks to settle an old score with the most sought-after painter of that time, Kim Hong-do (Kim Young-ho). Shin raises his son to surpass Kim Hong-do, but his son commits suicide over his lack of talent. The father then pushes his daughter Yun-jeong to disguise herself as her brother and enter the world of court painters. The grown-up Yun-jeong (Kim Min-sun), now known under the pen name "Hyewon," finally enters the court and learns to paint under the guidance of Kim Hong-do, who is trusted by King Jeongjo. Kim Hong-do quickly notices Yun-bok's huge potential as well as his girlish features. Things remain normal until Yun-bok goes out and comes across a playful seller of mirrors, Kang-mu (Kim Nam-gil). When their romantic adventure takes off, it is Kim Hong-do who ends up heartbroken. Kim's jealousy, and his desire to own Yun-bok physically and emotionally, soars to a perilous level.