Lord of All He Surveys Sits Beside His Globe, Planning Something Big
Seated beside a brass-mounted globe, a black Pug in lordly attire fixes the viewer with an expression of profound, wrinkled seriousness. His velvet coat is a deep midnight blue with a gold embroidered shoulder ornament, and a thick ermine collar with dark spots wraps around his shoulders, framing a frothy white cravat. The globe beside him shows continents in muted greens and browns, as if he has been planning an expedition or perhaps just deciding which country has the best snacks. A carved stone column and heavy drapery set the stately mood in the shadowy background.
Globes often appear in formal portraits as symbols of learning, travel and worldly influence, which is why painters placed them beside scholars, statesmen and explorers. Pugs make amusing lords: they are an ancient breed with roots in China, where they were kept by emperors, and they later became fashionable in European royal courts. Black Pugs have the same cheerful, affectionate personality as the more common fawn ones. Because of their short muzzles, they do best in cool conditions with moderate exercise, and their wrinkles need regular gentle cleaning.
This distinguished lord may never leave his favorite cushion, but with a globe at his side, he can at least pretend to rule the world. From his armchair empire, every room in the house is within his reach and every lap is his territory.
