Although this painting, and its companion (NG 1768), are now framed pictures which can be hung anywhere, they would originally have been designed and executed to be fitted into the wall, probably above a doorway, and were intended simply as decorative embellishments to a room. This was the kind of work the Norie family firm specialised in. They often painted real Scottish views, but this pair of landscapes depicts entirely imaginary scenery. The pleasant amalgamation of features - buildings, trees and water - recalled the Italy of an educated gentleman's grand tour. The Nories were highly accomplished craftsmen, on the borderline between what we now think of as the fine and the decorative arts.