Fergusson established a studio in Edinburgh in the mid-1890s. He is likely to have painted this intimate work standing in Princes Street Gardens in the centre of the capital, looking up at the headquarters of the Bank of Scotland on The Mound, now the Scottish headquarters of Lloyds Banking Group. He converted a cigar box to hold 5 x 4 inch panels – such as this one – alongside paints and cut-down brushes, with the lid of the box doubling as his palette. This kit allowed him to record scenes spontaneously, often working outdoors. The lively, dabbed-on brushstrokes in this painting pick out details including the distinctive dome of the building and the white gown of the elegant lady in the foreground.