The Saint Bernard Scholar Dipped His Quill and Stared Into the Distance
The scholar has been writing since dawn, and the work is going slowly, mostly because of his large paws. A red and white Saint Bernard fills the canvas, his broad face framed by a thick white ruff and soft, drooping ears marked in deep mahogany. A long black robe with wide folds covers his shoulders, and one big white paw delicately holds a tall feather quill. His dark, gentle eyes seem to be thinking something very deep, and a candle glows beside him.
Saint Bernards are giant, gentle dogs, originally known for working in the Swiss Alps. Today they are mostly known for being patient, friendly family dogs with a calm streak. Because they are so large, they need sturdy training from a young age, plenty of space, and a careful watch on their weight, which protects their joints. They also drool and shed, so a towel by the door can come in handy. Giant breeds do best with regular vet visits and moderate exercise, especially in warm weather, since they overheat easily.
The portrait has a lovely hush to it, with the dark robe and the single soft light. The dog looks like he could write a very kind, very long book. You can almost picture the first line, which probably begins with a nap, followed by a much longer second chapter.
