The Huntsman Sat by the Lodge Fire and Waited for the Others
Heavy jowls, soulful brown eyes, and a white blaze running down a big red and white face give this Saint Bernard a gentle, patient look, even in the green velvet coat of a royal huntsman. The coat is embroidered with gold leaves along the front and sleeves, and a lace cravat sits at his throat. A warm glow behind his shoulder suggests a hearth or a lantern in a hunting lodge, and the dark, cracked paint makes the whole picture look wonderfully aged. His big paws are tucked out of sight, but you can tell he is perfectly at ease.
The big, fluffy mane around his neck looks almost like a fur collar, and the artist used soft, sweeping strokes to capture it. The velvet, by contrast, is painted with sharp highlights along the folds. Dutch painters excelled at this sort of cozy, lamplit mood, where the light seems to come from a single quiet source.
Saint Bernards are large and sweet-natured, and they are famous for their history in the Swiss Alps. They are usually calm and good with families, but their size means they need space, early training, and sturdy leashes. Many drool and shed a lot, so keep a towel and a brush handy. Heat is hard on them, so keep them cool in summer. Because large dogs can have joint and heart concerns, regular vet visits and careful feeding are very important.
If the hunt is called, he will gladly come along, as long as there is a long nap afterward.
