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The purpose of this painting is not to depict a story or a particular place but to capture an atmospheric effect. Corot has used brief brushstrokes to mimic the changing light. The soft silvery tones are heightened by subtle dashes of colour, for example in the figures’ caps. Corot’s techniques, achieved through the observation of nature, formed the foundation of Impressionist landscapes.

This oil was among the first group of paintings bought by Gwendoline Davies in June 1908. The Davies sisters had admired Corot's work in Paris and owned a book about him. Margaret bought another in the same month, and the sisters went on to acquire three more.