This is a finished study for a larger picture of the same title. The subject is based on a scene from Sir Walter Scott's historical novel ‘The Pirate’. It shows the heroine Minna Troil passing proudly below an arch of blades during a sword dance, while the other girls shy away. Orchardson was one of Robert Scott Lauder's pupils who moved to London. During the first part of his career he painted rural subjects and a number of illustrations to Scott. Later in life he turned to Regency scenes and episodes from modern life. This painting is the last of his subjects from Scott. Clear outlines and draughtsmanship are always distinguishing features of Orchardson's style.