The title of this challenging Venezuelan drama refers to a painting. The plot contains elements of local myths and historical episodes from the country's 19th-century war and centers on an art historian (Carlos Mata) who comes to the home of the ancient Doña Matilde in hopes of purchasing the masterpiece painting "The Blue Virgin" from her. Unfortunately, the painting was destroyed long ago. Instead, she offers the historians glimpses of life at the turn of the century. She tells how the "Blue Virgin" was stolen by an Indian leader of the Liberal Army. Later the Indian is gambling when he wins a beautiful deaf-mute girl with noble bearing and a cursed little charm that brings him only misery. He continues gambling and using the charm to win, but every time he does, he gets more in league with the Devil. The only way the leader can free himself from its wicked machinations is to sell it for less than he paid for it.