The Lady in Waiting Caught a Scent and Raised Her Nose From Behind the Fan
With a lace cap pinned in place by a pearl earring, a Beagle lady in waiting tilts her long nose slightly upward and glances to the side as if she has caught the scent of a secret. A fine lace ruff circles her neck, a pearl necklace gleams against her white chest, and her blue velvet gown is decorated with small gold flowers. In one hand she holds a painted folding fan, its panels decorated with tiny flowers. A candle burns in the dim background, a quiet gold glow.
The artist painted the cracks in the paint into the white of her arm and sleeve, a reminder that this portrait is meant to look centuries old. The result is a lovely mix of formal costume and sweet, nosy curiosity.
Beagles have one of the best noses among dogs, and they were bred to follow scents for hours. They are friendly, curious, and good with families, but a scent can pull them off course, so they should be walked on a leash or in a secure yard. They love to eat, so portion control and daily exercise are important. Their floppy ears should be checked and cleaned regularly. Talk to your vet about training tips, since Beagles are clever and sometimes stubborn.
Whatever the palace gossip is, this lady in waiting will sniff it out before the tea even cools.
