This work was probably painted shortly after Van Groenewegen returned to Holland in 1626. It reflects his first impressions of his visit to Italy, as well as revealing traces of his collaboration with Esaias van de Velde. The latter may have been responsible for painting the figures. Groenewegen belongs to the first generation of Italianists. His landscapes are characterised by their circular composition. At one side an accent is created by a hill or building, balanced on the other side by a cluster of trees. Roman ruins form a recurring motif in his landscapes.