Rather than rely on the traditional graphite sketch for his preparatory work, Frederic Church made sketches in oil from life. As in this twilight scene, his methods produced an enhanced level of spontaneity and realism while also conveying a high degree of finish. This painting held personal significance for Church, who presented it as a gift to his friend, the sculptor Erastus Dow Palmer. The painting appeared among six of Church’s works Palmer included in the 1864 Sanitary Fair exhibition held to raise money for medical relief during the Civil War.