1841 was a pivotal year for Callow. He returned to England from Paris, leaving behind the security of his role as an acclaimed drawing master to the French aristocracy, to 'start afresh, practically unknown' in London. In the autumn he took a sketching trip to Normandy with Charles Bentley. Callow made a number of drawings which were later worked up into successful watercolours, and the present painting may well date from this time in Normandy.