A young artist, seated at a desk, drawing a portrait of a young lady in a sketchbook, in blue coat, yellow waistcoat, white shirt, knotted black stock, gem-set tie-pin, a burgundy velvet-lined olive green coat draped over his shoulders

The almost invisible address à Bruxelles below Autissier's signature, formerly probably followed by a date, would suggest that this impressive portrait was painted during the last five years of the artist's life.