Throughout the 1860’s and 1870’s Doré divided his time between Paris and London, and in 1872 he published a book of prints titled “London: a Pilgrimage.” This project explored the daily life of Londoners, from workmen in action, to begging children in the streets, and to elegantly dressed ladies perched side-saddle at Hyde-Park. In the late 1860’s Doré created many sketches and watercolors for the project and for himself. This painting, although atypical of Doré, was probably a later work drawn from these studies, particularly those which focused on the latest London fashion on display in Hyde-Park. Although this work is undated, the beautiful and luxurous gowns illustrated in this painting reference the early 1870’s. The Dolly Varden dress style, inspired by a Charles Dickens character and popular from 1869 to 1875, is apparent in the draped overskirt of the lady dressed in white as well as her fan, which is remincent of the 1780’s.