Boldini made his debut at the Salon of 1879 with this vignette of contemporary urban life. The partially visible inscription of "garde républicaine" on the soldier’s bag indicates that he is delivering correspondence on behalf of the Parisian municipal guard. He has arrived so early that the concierge is still washing the sidewalk; a couple bids a discreet adieu at right. Large spectacles outside an optician’s shop encourage viewers to look closely at the action. One critic found the painting "a bit nonchalant and glittering," but praised its sense of life and rapid motion, concluding, "Boldini is more than a fashion painter."
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