"In 1932, Boutet de Monvel decides to make 2 self-portraits for the upcoming exhibition in New York at the Reinhardt Galleries: one of them is the composition presented here. From one of the Ritz's rooms, Boutet de Monvel dominates the Place Vendôme, seen from above. The precision with which his figure is executed contrasts with the rest of the composition, more sketchy and closer to what an..." http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2016/collection-boutet-de-monvel-pf1639/lot.25.html