This is a study of a painter at work, rather than a self-portrait. It is typically atmospheric, demonstrating Daumier’s loose handling of paint and love of Rembrandtesque chiaroscuro. Daumier was an infrequent painter (he was also a sculptor), turning to the medium when, for various reasons, he was denied outlets for his satirical prints which were published mainly in 'La Caricature' and, later, 'Le Charivari'.