Liberally distributed groups of trees flank the view into the distance, and the setting sun, which casts warm light on the hills, bushes, and clouds, lends an Arcadian character to the landscape. The figures at the side of the road also contribute to this, conveying a sense of tranquillity and calmness; this is echoed by the travellers who are
waiting for the boat at the ford and the shepherds with cows. Huysmans follows a tradition of landscape painting that was influenced by painters such as Gaspard Dughet.