Joseph von Träubesser is a scion of a wealthy aristocratic family Hes not satisfied with idle bliss but is ambitious and tries to become a good painter His family and especially his nephew Leonid who could be taken for his twin think hes cracked Fabian Cabanas a famous painter isnt at all pleased with his life Apion Herbst a postman and spiritualist holds séances when off duty and helps Fabian to a new body And Joseph too profits from this séance