The figure in this etching is based on the looking of Marie-Thérèse Walter, one of Picasso’s partners. The print is part of 'The Vollard Suite', which comprises 100 etchings and engravings and dates from 1930-37. It may have been commissioned by Ambroise Vollard, Picasso’s dealer, though that is uncertain. He certainly intended to publish it, but died before he could do so. It was later published by Roger Lacourière in an edition of 260 sets. The style of the prints is broadly classical, and in this respect, the Vollard Suite continues the pattern Picasso had embarked upon in an earlier book project, illustrations for Ovid’s 'Metamorphoses', which he worked on from 1930-3.