In 1816, Joseph obtained his mother's permission to convert the garret which adjoined his attic room into an atelier, and Madame Descoings gave him a little money for the indispensable requirements of the painter's trade;--in the minds of the two widows, the art of painting was nothing but a trade.

With the feeling and ardor of his vocation, the lad himself arranged his humble atelier.

Madame Descoings persuaded the owner of the house to put a skylight in the roof.

The garret was turned into a vast hall painted in chocolate-color by Joseph himself.

On the walls he hung a few sketches.