Joella Bayer (1907-2004), born Joella Haweis, was the daughter of the avant-garde poet and artist Mina Loy. Raised in a milieu rich with artistic and literary influences, Joella's early life was shaped by her mother's involvement in the modernist movements of the early 20th century.

In 1926, Joella and her mother opened a lamp shop in Paris, where they worked with several prominent artistic figures like Marcel Duchamp, Robert McAlmon, and Man Ray. Both Joella and Mina eventually became subjects in Man Ray’s work – a portrait of Joella was even featured in his important 1934 monograph Man Ray: Photographs 1920-1934 Paris. Through her eclectic circle of artists, Joella met emerging art dealer Julien Levy and married him just a few months after meeting in 1927. Shortly thereafter, they relocated to New York City where together they opened the Julien Levy Gallery, known for introducing Surrealist artists like Salvador Dalí and Frida Kahlo to American audiences.

This charming portrait was likely a gift from the artist to his dear friend Joella, and has remained in the family collection for almost a century.