In the early years of his career Ribot had to struggle to make ends meet, working at various jobs during the day and only painting at home in the evening. Works like this were, of necessity, executed by lamplight. Here the subdued lighting and careful tonal arrangements emphasize the mood of quiet contemplation.

Ribot, like his friend Boudin, was friendly with the Impressionists, but both the older artists were aware of how different their own art was. In 1890 Boudin wrote to Ribot congratulating him on his recent exhibition, adding, 'It is a consolation for us to see that in spite of our advancing years we are still valiantly holding our own against the unruly and daring young people who do not want to do the same as their predecessors and who perhaps are getting a little carried away in their fracturing of colour and light'.