Gérôme first exhibited his alluring marble 'Joueuse de Boules' at the Salon of 1902. In this work Gérôme created an intriguing study of the female nude, inspired by Antique models, but rendered more sinuous and voluptuous. The bronze versions were cast by Siot-Decauville in 3 sizes, of which the present is a fine gilt cast of the larger.