This painting is typical of Rousseau's forest scenes, with its careful analysis of natural forms and detailed treatment of curling branches and tree-trunks. Although this work would not have been painted out-of-doors, Rousseau's friends recorded that he used to spend long hours examining and memorizing a scene so that he could capture 'the soul of the forest'. Unfortunately Rousseau experimented with the paints he used, and the murky darkness of this work makes it difficult for us to appreciate it. Here his colours, originally rich and glorious, have darkened because of his use of bitumen. Rousseau, like his friends Diaz and Millet, was an important influence on the young Impressionists. His sketch-like technique and his use of strong notes of daring colour – touches of blue, red, green and yellow – attracted the attention of these young artists.