A Maltese in a Scholar's Robe Raised His Quill and Paused Mid-Thought
Quill raised, the learned Maltese pauses mid-thought, as if a brilliant line of Latin has just occurred to him. His silky white hair falls in soft waves around a thoughtful face with dark, shining eyes, and one fluffy paw grips a long brown feather quill. He wears a heavy black scholar's robe edged with wide bands of golden oak-leaf embroidery, and a small embroidered collar peeks out at the neck. The backdrop is a muted olive drape, and the fine crackle across the surface lends the painting a convincing old-world patina.
Small white dogs like the Maltese have a very long history as companions to the wealthy and powerful. The breed is thought to be one of the oldest toy breeds, prized for centuries for its sweet temperament and luxurious coat. In Tudor England, little lapdogs were fashionable among noble households, and writers of the era described tiny 'comforter' dogs kept close for warmth and company. Today's Maltese is still very much a companion dog: affectionate, playful, and happiest near its people. That long white coat needs daily brushing, or a shorter trim, to stay free of tangles.
Whether this particular scholar is writing a treatise on philosophy or a strongly worded letter about the lack of treats is open to interpretation. Either way, he looks every inch the distinguished academic, with the fluffiest beard in the university.
