The predominance of the American landscape as a source of pride and inspiration is demonstrated in this view of Monte Video, the estate of wealthy Connecticut cultural leader Daniel Wadsworth, founder of  the Hartford Wadsworth Atheneum, America's oldest art museum. Natural features so dominate the scene that one has to look closely to see the traces of Wadsworth's presence.

The image is constructed around three primary points of interest; a conversation between an adult and child in the foreground; the distant mansion across the meadow to the left; and at the horizon line the hilltop tower Wadsworth built as an observation point (itself the subject of an Enoch Wood pattern). Otherwise nature rules.

Adams frames this study with the border of floral clusters and shell pendants which marks this series.  At the extreme edge of this border, a fine printed band of beading mirrors the molded bead detail of the white scalloped edge. 

Ellouise Baker Larsen, American Historical Views on Staffordshire China (p.327)  traces the view to an 1831 engraving based on a sketch by Thomas Cole, who along with Frederic Church benefited from Wadsworth's patronage. A related oil painting is in the collection of the Atheneum.