"When Gervex was at work on his [painting] 'Lesson in Anatomy' Degas said to him: 'Did you ever see a student taking notes while the professor is lecturing?.. ..He ought to be rolling a cigarette.' And it was this bit of advice which made the picture [because Gervex followed Degas's advice]. However, when Gervex was doing his 'Rolla' (c. 1878), Degas happened to see the picture, and again made recommendations: 'You must make it plain that the woman is not a model. Where is the dress she has taken off. Put a pair of corsets on the floor near by." The canvas was refused by the Salon on grounds of indecency. 'You see', said Degas afterwards, 'nude models are all right at the Salon, but a woman undressing - never!'"