Monsieur and Madame Leblanc were a highly civilized French couple living in Florence when Ingres resided there. Ingres was captivated by Madame Leblanc's beauty and especially admired her hands. Degas considered the pair of portraits among his most important acquisitions. His handwritten notes on the paintings are exhibited in this room.

The Metropolitan acquired the pair at the posthumous sale of Degas's collection in 1918. It was the only American museum that made purchases at the Degas sales.