August Grotegoed came from a poor family. Becoming an artist felt like an unrealizable ideal, but in the end he succeeded in attending the Rijksakademie. In the 1920s and 1930s Surinamers were much sought-after models at art school. They earned a minimum wage, with nude models being better paid than clothed ones. They did not have to worry about the Dutch climate because the stove was kept piping hot. Grotegoed died young, shortly after his first successful exhibition. This painting was acquired in the 1970s by the Amsterdam Historical Museum. Unfortunately the model remains unknown. Visitors are kindly asked to contact the museum if they know who this man is?