D O Hill is probably best known as a pioneer photographer, but he was also an accomplished landscape and figure painter, working both in oil and watercolour. In the 1830s, Hill produced many paintings and drawings that were used to illustrate books. This study was included in the 1840 publication of 'The Land of Burns'. The drawing shows a moonlit landscape looking down the banks of the River Doon to the Burns Monument and the Auld Brig o'Doon, scene of the climax of Burns' poem 'Tam O'Shanter'. Hill's use of monochrome tone is perfect for depicting this romantic location bathed in moonlight.