Gwen John moved to 87 Rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris, in March 1907 where she stayed until 1909. She lived on the top floor. Another work, 'A Corner of the Artist's Room in Paris' (Sheffield City Art Gallery) which is similar with only minor variations, and 'The Artist in her Room in Paris' (private collection) also depict this apartment. The table and basket chair are familiar props in the works from this period; the basket chair also appears in 'The Convalescent' series of paintings from the 1920s