Lami lived for two years in the same building as Honoré de Balzac. Lami had even stored furniture belonging to the famous writer to prevent the baliffs seizing it. Their friendship, although not close, had nevertheless instilled in Lami a sense of irony towards society. This is explored in the series Histoire de mon Temps. These drawings, on the other hand, also reflect the contemporary taste for for journalistic caricatures. Their technique, most unusual for the artist, combines delicate pen and ink drawing with light washes.
The whole series had been acquired by Prince Demidoff, one of Lami's patrons, but sadly it was dispersed when he sold his collection in Florence