John Phillip was the son of an Aberdeen soldier turned shoemaker who showed an early predilection for drawing. His talents came to the attention of Lord Panmure, who sponsored him to study at the Royal Academy. His career echoed that of his great predecessor, Sir David Wilkie. He started with paintings of everyday Scottish life, which brought him some success, until ill­ health caused by his wife's mental illness led him to recuperate in southern Spain during the winter of 1851.

Spain made such an impression on him that he completely reinvented his career, making scenes from Spanish life the focus of his work. Shortly afterwards His Spanish Gypsy Mother was bought by Queen Victoria, immediately making his reputation. He returned to Spain in 1856-7, and again in 1860, where he was influenced by the painterly style of Murillo and Velazquez. The richness of colouring and spontaneity of this view in Segovia suggest it dates from one of these later visits.