The subject, light effects, colour and texture of this painting illustrate why Daubigny's work appealed to the Impressionists. It was produced in the same year they held their first group exhibition. The intense, bright colours record the sunlight sparkling on the grass and blossom-laden trees. Human interest is provided by the figures enjoying the shade of a tree on the left, and by another figure, possibly gathering flowers, on the right. Daubigny painted several scenes of apple trees in blossom which were much admired by younger artists.