George Inness painted peaceful views of the landscape in soft, glowing colors and often included people, animals, and buildings. Sentimental scenes like this of people enjoying nature were popular during the nineteenth century, as towns and industry gradually took over the landscape. In this image, Inness captured the moment just before sunset when everything is bathed in golden light. He painted the figures in the same rich tones as the landscape, underscoring his belief in the harmony between man, nature, and God.