The Belgian painter François-Joseph Navez, who trained in the studio of Jacques-Louis-David, was known for his elegant portraits of the Brussels bourgeoisie and aristocracy. However, his oeuvre demonstrates that he tackled a wide range of subjects, from religious paintings to Italian genre scenes and including large family portraits. In all these, Navez brought a fresh approach to his painting, with his interest in portraying the faces and fashions of his period.

Italy was a crucial source of inspiration for the artist, who was in Rome between 1817 and 1822. Navez painted many scenes based on Italian life in the years 1830 and 1840, especially The Kiss of Roses and An Old Woman Leaning on a Young Girl and a Young Gi...