Daubigny initially worked as an engraver, specialising in book and newspaper illustration. After the 1850s he concentrated on landscape painting and scenes of everyday life in the countryside near Paris. His technique of using rapid brushstrokes made him a forerunner of Impressionism, and he was acquainted with a number of Impressionist artists. Daubigny was interested in studying the landscape at different times of the day, especially sunrise and sunset. In this charming watercolour he has captured the subtle rose, pale blue and violet hues of the evening sky. By silhouetting the cart against the light, he emphasizes the diminishing brilliance of the setting sun. The very free brushwork indicates that this is probably a late work.