Nello Tarth is an orphan who lives in poverty but remains cheerful, sharing a home with his grandfather Jehan in a small village on the outskirts of Antwerp. Ever since he glimpsed a painting by the famous artist Rubens as a young child, Nello has been drawn to drawing and possesses a natural talent for it. While assisting Jehan with their daily milk deliveries to Antwerp, Nello stumbles upon Patrash, a working dog that has been mistreated and cast aside by his former owner. Nello tends to the weary animal, and before long, a deep and loyal friendship blossoms between them. Alois Cojez, the daughter of the richest and most influential man in Blacken Village, is Nello's closest companion. When Nello resolves to become an artist, he must confront firsthand the ignorance and cruelty of the villagers. Alois's father, in particular, dismisses him as a good-for-nothing who cannot support himself through his drawings. Nevertheless, Nello presses on and never abandons his dream, striving to earn their admiration and respect while enduring the harsh weight of his own poverty.
