The Gardener Brought Roses to the Palace and Took His Time Arriving
Long ears sweep down either side of a sorrowful, sweet face as a lemon and white Basset Hound carries a wicker basket brimming with roses. Pale pink, deep red, and cream blooms tumble over the rim with their dark green leaves, and the gardener's green velvet cap, jacket, and apron are trimmed with little embroidered sprigs. A lace collar peeks out at his neck, and those droopy eyes give him the air of someone who has just discovered a rose bush that needs a bit more attention.
The flowers give the painter a chance to add color to an otherwise dark and moody canvas. Flower still lifes were hugely admired in the 1600s, so tucking a bouquet into a portrait was a way to show off.
Basset Hounds are scent hounds with one of the best noses in the dog world, so a garden full of smells is pure joy for them. They are mellow, friendly, and a bit stubborn, and they love to follow a trail. Their long backs and short legs mean it is smart to keep them at a healthy weight and avoid too many stairs. Their long ears should be cleaned and checked regularly, and your vet can show you how. A fenced yard is a good idea, since that nose can lead them far.
Every rose in the royal garden is safe, as long as the gardener does not stop to sniff each one for ten minutes.
