Nello is a young poor boy who lives only with his grandfather and has a passion for art. He is friends with Aloise, who comes from a wealthy background and supports him in his artwork. They find and befriend a young beaten dog and name it Patrasche, who becomes a loyal companion to Nello. Despite the hard work and difficult times that Nello must face, he strives to become an artist like the talented Peter Paul Rubens.
