This minutely observed and delineated landscape was painted by one of the first artists to devote a large part of his life's work to the Pyrenees. Alexandre Millin du Perreux was born and died in Paris but travelled extensively through France, Switzerland, Italy and Spain. However, it was to the Pyrenees that he returned again and again. He enjoyed most success during the Empire for his historical landscapes showing scenes from chivalrous romance and French history. The Empress Josephine greatly admired his work and owned several examples. In contrast, this work is a contemporary view of a spa in the mountains. The carefully structured landscape denotes the rigours of a neoclassical artist but his depiction of the clarity of the mountain air, the back-lit trees and the lengthening shadows of late afternoon show his keen response to nature.