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Like Manet, Degas and the Impressionists, Ribot often painted scenes of contemporary life. But rather than views of sun-filled landscapes or busy Parisian streets he worked indoors and preferred to paint the human figure. This scene of busy cooks at work is a subject he loved and often painted. But instead of painting a portrait of one of the famous chefs of the day, he chose, as here, to depict a range of young workers busy at a whole variety of tasks.

In Paris, during the 19th century, the role and status of the professional cook changed. Many new restaurants opened in the period after 1850, and the traditional buffet or large-platter service was replaced by waiters serving each diner an individual portion. The type of food served and the methods of preparation changed to meet the needs of the middle-class clients who were now dining out.