The Papillon (pronounced "pah-pee-yawn") originated in Italy, as recently as 1500 when the breed began making an appearance in the paintings of Tiziano Vicellio. Over the years, they appeared in many portraits of royalty and merchant class families, painted by some of the most world-renowned artists including Rembrandt, Watteau, Gonzales Coques, Fragonard, Paolo Veronese, and Mignard. The earliest Papillons were called "Dwarf Spaniels", as during Renaissance times, it was a sign of status to possess miniature versions of popular breeds. The Papillon was popular across much of Europe and was the favorite breed of Marie Antoinette.