Albert Ernest Carrier Belleuse (1824-1887) the artists father, is seen in the center of the composition working in his studio. His sculpture L'enlevement d'Hippodamie of 1874 is evident in the background (cf. J.F. Hargrove, The Life and Works of Albert Carrier Belleuse, New York and London, 1977, pp. 256-257, p. 244, illustrated). The bearded, seated gentleman is Jean de Cabannes, dit Cabaner (see his portrait by Monet of 1880, J. Rewald, The History of Impressionism, New York, 1961, p. 399, illustrated). It has also been suggested that the young man in a smock may be a self-portrait of the painter.