This recently discovered work dates to circa 1875 and forms part of a series of small scale works of eighteenth century and Empire interior scenes, commissioned by Adolphe Goupil and other Parisian dealers. Boldini would continue to paint these pictures, deriving in style from Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier, until 1877 and they became the first works by the artist to be acquired by dealers and collectors in the United States (cf. fig. 1). In October of 1871, Boldini moved permanently to Paris, basing himself in the Place Pigalle. During this period, he also concentrated on scenes of Parisian life (see lot 17) with the same febrile element to his style, but with a looser paint technique, which would typify his later work.