In a quaint village near Antwerp, young Nello Tarth is a cheerful orphan living with his grandfather Jehan. Fascinated by art since encountering a masterpiece by Rubens, Nello, who helps with daily milk deliveries, befriends Patrash, a mistreated dog left for dead. Through nurturing the canine back to health, a profound bond blossoms. His closest companion is Alois Cojez, the daughter of Blacken Village's wealthiest resident. When Nello aspires to be an artist, he faces the harsh judgment and cruelty of the villagers, particularly Alois's father, who deems his passion frivolous. Undeterred by adversity and poverty, Nello tenaciously pursues his artistic dreams, striving for recognition and acceptance in a world blinded by prejudice.