Historical Context in Paul's Case

The year 1905 witnessed some of the most fabulously rich American families at full, almost royal, splendor. This is the type of glamour that Paul dreams about. Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue represent those kingdoms of plenty of the first part of the century.

Hellenic-style statue of Aphrodite created around 150 BC by "Alexandros" and found in 1820 in the island of Melos. 

It is significant that Paul looks with evil eyes at a sculpture that embodies the female ideal. Another enigmatic behavior coming from Paul's "temperament".

Augustus Ceasar was the founder and first emperor of the Roman Empire (27 BC until 14 AD).

Paul "makes a face" at Augustus Ceasar, which is symbolic of his lack of care for authority or social hierarchy. 

Jean-François Raffaëlli (1850) was a French Impressionist and realist artist who did painting, sculpting, acting, and even music.

A painting by Martin Rico y Ortega; a Spanish painter who was famous for his views of Venice.

The Schenley Hotel opened in 1898 and was intended to be the epicenter of art and sophistication. Paul's story is set in 1905, making the hotel a key location for events.