Victor Forssell went to France in 1877 at his own expense. He had studied at the Academy of Fine Art but was influenced by the new plein-air painting in France. Here, the artist has portrayed a Swedish spring scene. However, despite the French influence, the painting is characterised by a detailed realism that is more closely associated with older styles. Meticulous brush strokes depict the bare branches, the rickety fence and the gable of the stone house. On the muddy road, a solitary girl is passed by a simple horse and cart.