Marie-Octavie Bernier was the wife of the commander of Renoir's regiment during the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71). In the spring of 1871, Renoir stayed with the couple, who were living with her father in the town of Tarbes in southwestern France. Enjoying their hospitality and a level of comfort that is reflected in this portrait, Renoir fondly recalled that he spent 'two months in a château,' where he was 'treated like a prince,' rode horses every day, and taught his hosts' daughter to paint.
