With Schmierpinsel's character (whose name means “Brush-Smearer”), Pocci, himself a renowned painter and illustrator, satirises the artistic world. Casperl, a comical character that traditionally embodies lower and farcical genres, is shown here exceptionally rude and foul-mouthed.

A painter named Schmierpinsel is at an award-winning ceremony. In his absence, Casperl, his servant, pretends to be the painter to a lady who wants to have her portrait made. Casperl takes a down payment, then paints a donkey’s head and hits the outraged woman with the canvas. Upon his return, Schmierpinsel is called at the police station. After his statement, the police chief, Karrnpichler, interrogates Casperl. The latter smears paint on the police chief's face before throwing him out.