Model and Mannequin - Berthe in the studio

This work forms part of a series of small scale works of interior scenes similar to those commissioned by Adolphe Goupil and other Parisian dealers. Boldini would continue to paint these pictures, deriving in the 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.

This small panel painting was produced in Italy shortly before the artist moved to Paris in 1871. It is assumed that the woman depicted is Boldini's model, Berthe, playing with a mannequin in his atelier.