This closely observed study represents two of the minister's children from 'Quitting the Manse' (1847), a major subject picture which is also in the Scottish National Gallery's collection but is now too damaged by bituminous pigment to be exhibitable. The finished painting is a poignant and emotive illustration of the immediate repercussions of the Disruption of the Church of Scotland in 1843, including the enforced eviction of clergy who pledged allegiance to the Free Church. The minister and his young family are shown leaving the manse for the last time, observed by their grieving parishioners.