Domestic Pets of Madame de Pompadour: The Pet Culture of Versailles

Madame de Pompadour's Domestic Pets

In Versailles, 18th-century France, several powerful people vied for attention, but only one stood out: Madame de Pompadour. The close friend of King Louis XV, who was recognized for her patronage of the arts as well as her enormous political influence, which was unusual for a woman at the period, was also an animal lover. Her domestic pets felt quite at home in Versailles' opulent halls.

Madame du Pompadour, born Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, rose to fame in the French royal court by combining wit, charm, and intelligence. Her voyage began when she captured the attention of King Louis XV at a masked ball in 1745, and the king fell in love with her. Madame du Pompadour was King Louis XV's favorite for about 20 years, from 1745 to 1764. During this period, she exercised considerable power in the royal court.

Madame de Pompadour was renowned for her patronage of the arts, yet she also enjoyed surrounding herself with domestic pets, as depicted in this painting

Madame de Pompadour had a strong affinity for animals from an early age, and she soon realized that pets can provide emotional and social benefits and her pet collection reflected her many interests. 

Madame de Pompadour's pet life revolved around her beloved dogs: Phalènes, Bichons Frises, and Papilons were her favorite dog breeds since they had vibrant dispositions that mirrored her own active and highly stimulated personality. Her trusty four-legged companions escorted her everywhere she went, from the elegant salons to the manicured gardens at Versailles.

Madame de Pompadour's pet dogs 

The King gave her a Phalene dog named Inès, whom she adored. 

Inès became Madame de Pompadour's constant companion, often seen snuggling into the folds of her lavish dresses.

According to anecdote, when Madame de Pompadour became dangerously ill, Inès was said to have remained by her side, providing comfort and friendship until her recovery, and she never forgot this gesture of dedication.

Madame Pompadour had a favorite dog named Inez

Phalènes Dogs

Phalènes are small toy dogs known for their overall cuteness. Their ears are like butterflies, upright when alert but dropping at the tips. The Phalène's coat is long, silky, and flowing; it lies flat on its body and has feathering on its ears, breast, legs, and tail. Despite the coat's low shed rate, frequent brushing helps to prevent mats and tangles in the feathered areas, adding to the dog's exquisite appeal. 

Phalene dogs were highly fashionable at Versailles during the 18th century

 

Extroverted, confident, and curious are common descriptions of Phalene dogs. Although they are highly intelligent and eager to learn, they can also exhibit independence and stubbornness at times. Their small size doesn't stop them from being bold and fearless, often showing little hesitation when approaching larger dogs or unfamiliar situations. 

The Phalen dog breed originated in Europe, particularly in France and Belgium. The name 'Phalène' is French, meaning 'moth' or 'night butterfly,' which likely refers to the breed's distinctive butterfly-like ears. 

Phalènes are closely related to Papillons, another toy breed known for its butterfly ears. Actually, they evolved from them. Over time, selective breeding resulted in the smaller, more compact Phalene dogs that we know today.

Bichon Frise

Another dog breed, the Bichon Frites, was particularly popular among French nobles during the Renaissance. King Francis I and King Henry III both adored them, and King Henry III was so attached to his Bichon Frise named Turlu that he brought it with him everywhere, even into battle. Madam Pompadour was the most well-known individual who adored these little dogs, aside from King Henry.  

The adorable Bichon Frise dogs captured the hearts of several French kings

Charming, fluffy little Bichon Frises are well-known for their upbeat dispositions and hypoallergenic fur. Bichon Frise dogs are petite and strong, with a rounded skull, expressive eyes, and a plumed tail that curls over their back. Their coats are normally white, but they may have cream, apricot, or gray spots. Bichon Frises are friendly, playful, and gregarious. 

They like interacting with others and get along well with youngsters and dogs. They thrive on human contact and are well-known for their amiable disposition and desire for attention. Bichons are frequently referred to as clowns due to their lively and engaging personalities. It is believed that the Bichon Frise came from the Mediterranean region, specifically on the islands of Tenerife and Malta and are descendants of the Barbet, a breed of water spaniel. During the Renaissance, Bichons became popular among European nobles and were favored by royalty.

Papilons

Madame de Pompadour had another renowned pet, a vivacious Papilon named Mimi. Mimi's joyful nature and abundant vitality in such a small body made her an instant favorite with everyone she met. Even the most cynical courtiers were captivated by her antics. Madame de Pompadour and Mimi formed a close friendship and she frequently took her for walks through Versailles' immaculate grounds.

Papillons receive their name because the shape of their ears resembles butterflies

Papillons are dogs with a distinct appearance and an endearing personality, as well as elegance, intellect, and adaptability. Initially, Papillons had drooping ears like their Phalen counterparts, but during time, a distinguishing feature arose in which some had upright ears. Breeders selectively bred this characteristic, leading in the birth of the modern Papillon breed. 

Their build is graceful and well-proportioned, with a curly or corded coat that can be dyed in a variety of solid colors, including white, black, apricot, and silver. Their eyes are keen and expressive, and their ears are located near the head. Papilons is well known for his intellect, trainability, and lively demeanor. They like being part of the family and are devoted companions. Their diminutive stature does not diminish their confidence or humorous nature. Papilons make wonderful family pets because they are generally friendly with children and other pets. The Papilon dog breed has been around since prehistoric times.

The birds of Madame de Pompadour

In addition to her dogs, Madame de Pompadour was fond of exotic birds. In Versailes, her private chambers were adorned with colorful parrots and canaries

Apollo, a magnificent macaw with a piercing gaze and talkative tonque that repeated what had been heard throughout the day, was one of the birds she kept. 

Madame de Pompadour found great joy in Apollo's presence, as he sat on her shoulder, his feathers gently rustling against her skin. 

Macaws are beautiful and intelligent birds known for their colorful plumage, fun dispositions, and extraordinary ability to mimic human speech. While they are not commonly seen of as domestic pets in the same way as dogs and cats are, they can build significant ties with their human caregivers. They come in a number of species, each with their own distinctive markings. Common macaw species include the Scarlet Macaw, Blue and Gold Macaw, Green-winged Macaw, and Hyacinth Macaw. 

Macaws are highly intelligent birds with beautiful plumage. They were favored by Madame de Pompadour

Macaws are breathtakingly gorgeous, with feathers ranging from brilliant reds and blues to dazzling yellows and greens, and long tails that add to their overall look. Macaws are highly gregarious birds with active and curious personalities; they like conversation and mental stimulation, and they typically build deep attachments with their human caregivers. Macaws are well-known for their intelligence, ability to learn tricks, and mimicking human speech and sounds. Macaws require large enclosures to allow them to exercise their wings and travel freely. To keep them cognitively and physically occupied, a big aviary with numerous of perches, toys, and enrichment activities is required. Madame Pompadour's enormous apartments at Versailles were more than adequate for them. Macaws can also benefit from daily time outside their cages for supervised play and interaction with their owners.

Madame de Pompadour's daughter Alexandrine is feeding canaries. Painting from the 18th century

Madame de Pompadour's collection included a pair of beautiful parrots named Coco and Bijou, which most likely found their way to Versaillers from far away Afghanistan via the Silk Road. These gorgeous beasts, decked in emerald green and flaming scarlet, inspired awe in France fascinated by the mysterious Orient.

In addition to her parrots, Madame de Pompadour also kept several canaries, prized for their sweet songs and delicate beauty. 

Studies have confirmed that the singing of canaries has a positive psychological effect on humans

Among them was a particularly lovely variety known as Chantilly, whose melodic notes filled the air with joyful harmony. Madame de Pompadour relished Chantilly's serenades in her private chambers, where she would frequently sit in peace and listen to the calming songs of canaries.

Was Madame de Pompadour the First Aquarist?

Madame de Pompadour's love of animals extended beyond dogs and birds to include other unusual species. For example, she was one of the earliest aquarists in the western world. 

In her private rooms, exotic fish were housed in beautiful tanks. 

The fish's fast movement and brilliant colors in the crystal clear water was a welcome relief from the hectic courtly life and frequently harsh attention she was subjected to in Versailles as the king's favourite. The French royal court has an intriguing history with goldfish, particularly during King Louis XV's reign in the 18th century. Madame de Pompadour helped make goldfish popular in France. Goldfish were introduced to France from Asia in the 17th century, but became famous among the French elite in the 18th century, thanks to Madame de Pompadour. Madame de Pompadour installed ornate aquariums throughout the Palace of Versailles. These aquariums housed not only goldfish, but also exotic fish species acquired from distant locations. The royal court's aquariums were so complex that they added to the obsession with goldfish at the period, and the general populace began to keep them at home. Madame Pompadou's goldfish (Carassius auratus) are said to be the result of over a thousand years of selective breeding of a species of wild carp in ancient China and they eventually expanded to Japan and Europe.

Madame de Pompadour could be considered one of the first professional female aquarists in the Western world. Her favorite fish were goldfishes

Goldfish's various shapes, sizes, and colors are the consequence of decades of careful breeding. Typically, they have elongated bodies, rounded fins, and large eyes. The most well-known variation is gold or orange, although they are also available in red, white, black, blue, and numerous color combinations. There are various goldfish species, each with their own distinct characteristics: the Comet, Shubunkin, Fantail, Oranda, Ryukin, and Telescope Goldfish are among the most popular variations. The body shape, finnage, pigmentation, and other characteristics of different types differ. In French society, goldfish's vivid colors and graceful motions captivated people's imaginations and became a symbol of luxury, linked to a love of exoticism and novelty. 

Pets: Loyal Companions Through Good Times and Bad

According to all historical documents, Madame de Pompadour's affection for animals was not merely superficial; it stemmed from a genuine respect for their value. In her interactions with pets, she showed a softer, more maternal side that contrasted with her public appearance as a powerful and influential personality capable of destroying courtiers on a whim. In a realm where allegiances were fleeting, pets supplied her with the confidence and loyalty that humans at the court rarely exhibited.

Madame de Pompadour gracefully aged in the company of her pets

 

Madame de Pompadour is well-known throughout history for the influence she wielded in 18th-century France, but beneath her opulent exterior lay a compassionate person who could find happiness in the same ways as everyone else when faced with universal pleasures like unwavering love for a pet. She sought companionship in the company of pets, much as people do now, which brings her mentally closer to us despite the centuries that separate us. As she navigated the difficulties of power and politics, eventually losing favor with the monarch and getting older, her pets remained by her side. Their presence serves as a reminder of the enduring affection that doesn't fade away with time.