Nello Tarth is an orphan who lives in poverty but keeps a cheerful spirit. He shares a modest home with his grandfather, Jehan, in a small village near Antwerp. After glimpsing a painting by the famous artist Rubens at a young age, Nello develops a passion for art and shows a natural talent for drawing. While helping Jehan with their daily milk deliveries to Antwerp, Nello discovers Patrash, a working dog that was abandoned after being mistreated by its former owner. He cares for the exhausted animal, and a deep, loyal bond grows between them. Nello’s closest friend is Alois Cojez, the daughter of the wealthiest and most influential man in Blacken Village. When Nello decides to become an artist, he encounters prejudice and cruelty from the villagers. In particular, Alois’s father sees him as someone unable to make a living from his art. Despite these obstacles, Nello continues to follow his dream, determined to earn the villagers’ recognition and respect while struggling against the hardships of his impoverished life.