In contrast to the inanimate objects featured, Madame de Pompadour’s dog, Mimi, animates the experience of the material world of the enlightenment. Her placement in the painting is a sign of fidelity to the king and she is rumored to have worn gold collars nicer than her owner’s. Mimi is a Continental Toy Spaniel, which is a breed that originated in the 13th century and traveled to Spain and France, eventually becoming modern day descendants. Mimi has been featured because pets became increasingly popular at the time and are rarely examined as physical manifestations of colonial trade.