One of the most successful and prolific French sculptors of the mid-19th Century, Carrier-Belleuse exhibited regularly in the Paris Salons and was perhaps best known for his work on the Paris Opera. Among his apprentices were Rodin, Dalou and Falguière.

The signature 'A. Carrier' indicates that this work was conceived prior to 1868 when the artist began to sign his works 'A. Carrier-Belleuse'.