Venus aux belles fesses, or Venus with the beautiful buttocks, is the name given to a statuette by the famous Swedish sculptor Sergel, and this small work of art, a draft in fired clay, plays a significant role in this fantastic story. In a strange way, Venus intervenes in the turbulent fate of art historian Hannibal Svanø and creates conflicts for many others. After spending the whole summer leading a nomadic but rather pleasant life, interrupted only by occasional periods of work with old friends around the country, Svanø now sets off for the capital. On the way, he manages to persuade an old schoolmate, Judge Truelsen, to give him a loan that enables him to enjoy a hearty meal in a small, cozy restaurant called "Asietten."