There is a great commotion on Blasieholmen around the departing steamboats. The scene is remarkably bright - but the light does not appear to come from the gaslights that were still common in Stockholm, but from electric arc lights, judging by its intensity and lofty position. At the time of this painting, arc lighting had been introduced at the quays of Stockholm. The Canadian artist Bruce usually devoted himself to painting different kinds of daylight. Here, however, the electric light – the emblem of modernity – captured his attention.