While also being a painter with a preference of genre painting in the Flemish style, Debucourt is principally known known as a printmaker, often reproducing the work of other artists. The model for this print was provided by Carle Vernet (1758 Bordeaux – Paris 1836) who is known for his wittily malicious satires and acute observations of contemporary manners.

Here, a law clerk is having his hair powdered by a servant according to the fashion of the time. He protects his face with a long cone-shaped mask, making him look like a ridiculous bird while his cat has retreated to the rafters to avoid the cloud of dust.