A female artist and her model take a break from a painting session to welcome a visitor to the studio. On the easel is Stevens' version of "Salomé," which is based on Regnault's famous painting of 1870 (hanging nearby). The setting is thought to be Stevens' studio, which was admired for its stylish arrangement of the exotic and luxurious objects that he collected. With the open portfolio, picture-within-the-picture, and mirror (reflecting a mundane coal stove), this work presents an elaborate play on the relationship between art and reality. (http://hoocher.com/Alfred_Stevens/Alfred_Stevens.htm)