Pemberton & Oakes, Ltd. - Image Database

This painting shows a moment of indecision for two Christmas-Eve snoopers. Their question is whether to go down the stairs or go back up. The little dog with his straight-ahead stare and raised paw looks willing to proceed. The little girl is holding him back with one hand and using the other to quiet him. Her night robe and the darkness at the head of the stairs suggest it is already past bedtime. The powerful dark diagonal of the baseboard adds to the drama by underscoring the key question of whether to go down or up. She seems to have chosen the dog to share this little adventure with her and he seems fully aware of her excitement and apprehension. Both look cozy and warm, the dog because of his curly fur and the girl because of her thick robe. The deep red of her robe is accented by the bright white of its trim. Zolan's heavy use of golds and low-key lighting are again reminiscent of Rembrandt.

"Christmas Secret"