Lucien Wiener (1828-1909) was an important figure in Nancy's cultural life in the second half of the 19th century. His bookshop, in the heart of the city, was a meeting place for enthusiasts and bibliophiles who came to talk about the history of Lorraine. A fervent Lotharingist, he took part in the creation of the Musée lorrain, which he curated from 1869 to 1908. He was also renowned as a keen collector, with archaeological finds, works of art, old books and documentation on Lorraine accumulating over the years in his bourgeois home. His passions were passed on to his son René (1855-1939), who bequeathed his collection and that inherited from his father to the Musée Lorrain in 1939.

Victor Prouvé depicts him at home, in the intimacy of his private studio. Comfortably seated in his armchair by the window that can be seen on his right, Lucien Wiener consults a drawing box and examines a work he has taken out of it in the light. Posing in movement, he is shown surrounded by his favourite things: drawings, engravings and rare books.

Victor Prouvé, the emblematic artist of the École de Nancy, was a painter, sculptor, engraver and decorator, who produced many portraits using those close to him as models. Family, friends, artists, musicians, intellectuals, shopkeepers and industrialists - he painted a whole society during his long career. Although he frequented Lucien Wiener's shop when he was a student at the municipal art school, it was above all with his son René that he maintained a strong bond of friendship.