In late February, 1899, William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) traveled to the south of France with his wife, Elizabeth, and son, Paul.
Doctors had recommended the warm and sunny climate to help Paul, as he had been diagnosed with tuberculosis the year before.
They went to the picturesque seaside town of Menton and took up residence in the Hôtel des Îles Britanniques, where they would stay until late May.
While Bouguereau was committed to supporting his son's health, he was not content to leave his studio, commissions and pupils.