Crowned in Golden Laurels, the Empress at Her Coronation Is a Havanese

Crowned with a wreath of golden laurel leaves, a cream Havanese gazes out with soft, dark eyes and the serene confidence of an empress at her coronation. Her long, wavy coat tumbles past her ears and blends into a magnificent robe: deep teal velvet scattered with tiny golden bees and stars, edged in white ermine dotted with black spots, and bordered with heavy gold embroidery. A gold chain set with gems rests on her chest. Behind her, dark drapery and a fluted column frame the scene with imperial grandeur.

Those golden bees are a clever detail. The bee was adopted as an emblem of the Napoleonic imperial court, and it appeared on coronation robes, furnishings and textiles of the period, alongside the laurel wreath borrowed from ancient Rome. As for the empress herself, the Havanese is a cheerful toy breed with Cuban roots, known for being affectionate, sociable and adaptable to many homes. Their silky coat needs regular brushing to prevent mats, and many owners opt for a shorter trim. Havanese often thrive on companionship and can be unhappy left alone too long, so they suit families who are home often.

Ermine, the white winter fur with black-tipped tails, was a traditional mark of royalty in European ceremonial dress, which is why it appears on so many regal portraits.

With a crown, a robe and that sweet face, this empress could rule any household without lifting a paw.