The mezzotints were based on a selection of Constable’s works. These included oil sketches (previously known only to his closest friends), exhibition paintings from various periods, and works painted specifically for the series.

In the text accompanying the mezzotints, Constable noted that his aim was to observe nature in its various aspects and to increase interest in the rural scenery of England. He also wanted to demonstrate his belief that chiaroscuro, or the contrast between light and dark, is an attribute of nature itself.

Though difficult to make, the mezzotint is an ideal medium to produce images with dramatic contrasts between light and dark. The engraver first roughens the metal plate to create a surface that, when loaded with ink, will print a deep black. The engraver then smooths out sections of the plate with a sharp instrument. These sections will not collect ink and will therefore print as light areas