It is difficult to identify this model--posed as he is from the back side--as one who has appeared elsewhere in this catalogue or in the Atelier Degas sales. Standing against a wall, the figure casts a shadow to his right. Degas has diagrammed the muscles in the subject's right forearm in a quick sketch seen to the side, revealing his careful analysis of this otherwise ordinary physical gesture.

This drawing was among the contents of Degas's studio which were not included in the four Atelier sales of 1918 and 1919. While there remained sufficient property for a fifth sale, the experts for the earlier sales--Bernheim-Jeune, Durand-Ruel and Vollard--advised against it. This fifth group of material (along with items purchased by the family at the original Atelier sales) was divided in two portions: the first went to Degas's brother René, and the second part was distributed among the nephews and nieces. René De Gas's holdings were sold in November, 1927, following his death. This drawing was sold along with other property of the Nepveu-Degas family at the sale cited above. Most recently, on December 19, 1994, works belonging to Arlette Devade, née Nepveu-Degas, were sold in Paris.