This is one of a number of paintings by Crozier which show views of Edinburgh. The work shows strong affinities with Cubism, in the way the buildings are reduced to simple cubic blocks. The use of light, with the sunlit fronts of the buildings contrasting with the deeply-shaded sides, is influenced by the strong sunlight found in Italy, where the artist had travelled several years previously on a travelling scholarship. During this same trip, Crozier had also studied with the painter André Lhote in Paris, who taught him how to break down a subject geometrically, as in this painting. William Crozier (Scottish, 1893 - 1930) Born in Edinburgh, Crozier studied at Edinburgh College of Art, a friend and fellow student of Anne Redpath, William Gillies and William MacTaggart. Crozier lived in Paris in 1923, while on a Carnegie Travelling Scholarship, and studied with the cubist painter André Lhote. He also travelled to Italy, where he was captivated by the bright sunlight which cast deep shadows. Crozier later attempted to capture this intense light, as he was to adopt the lessons of Cubism, in his own work. After suffering ill health all his life due to haemophilia, Crozier died, aged just thirty-seven, following a fall in his studio.