Gabrielle Keiller acquired this drawing along with a book by Henri Pastoureau in which a reproduction of the drawing serves as the frontispiece. Despite being undated, it can be ascribed with confidence to 1913-4, on analogy with other similar drawings the artist made in Paris before the First World War. Although de Chirico’s drawings relate closely to his contemporary paintings, they were independent compositions rather than preparatory sketches. And, unlike his paintings, they are quite casual in their execution and often, as here, strike a gently humorous note.