In 1890, 42-year-old painter Anna Bloch visits the Annual Salon des XX in Brussels, and buys a painting by an unknown artist named Vincent Van Gogh. He dies later that same year. She remains the only person to have ever purchased one of his paintings during his lifetime. Six months later, Anna buys a second painting by Van Gogh and becomes the first person to acknowledge his skill and importance as an artist. A painter herself, Anna hangs both Van Goghs in her studio, to use as inspiration. Instead, she spends many years painting in their shadow, unable to live up to the genius she admires. Finally, fully defeated by the strength and audacity of both paintings, she sells them, to free herself of the burden of living up to their standard. The story of Anna, an unrealized artist, and her relationship to one of the most famous artists of all time, is told in this charming film that juxtaposes her life in grey, industrial Belgium, with that of Van Gogh's in sunny, Southern France. Anna was the first person to ever purchase a Van Gogh, but just like so many who came after her, Van Gogh's work resonated so deeply within her, that her life was forever changed.