Hélène Rouart dans le bureau de son père

Degas and Henri Rouart had been at school together, but their real friendship began in the winter of 1871, when Paris was under siege and Degas served in an artillery unit under Rouart's command. Rouart went on to become a wealthy engineer and a serious collector, and Degas was often in his house. This is Rouart's daughter Helene, about 23, standing in her father's study with her hands on the back of his empty chair. Around her sits his collection, including three small Egyptian figures in a glass case and a Chinese hanging above her head. She was already married when she posed for this, yet Degas leaves off her wedding ring, keeping her here as the daughter of the house rather than a wife.