The narrative follows a strikingly beautiful young man whose image is captured in a painting; under the influence of a seductive friend he embraces a life of aestheticism and self-indulgence. As he pursues pleasure and detaches from moral consequence, the portrait, hidden from view, bears the physical records of his corruption while he remains outwardly unchanged. The story traces his gradual degradation, violent acts, and attempts to conceal guilt, culminating in a final confrontation between self and image that leads to his destruction. The work also includes a pointed preface of epigrams defending art's autonomy and exploring beauty, influence, and responsibility.