The painting, like many others, was created during the painter's stay in Mexico from 1831 - 34. Rugendas was standing on a hill when he created the painting. From there he could see a hospital, the bishop's garden and the mountains of Cholula. The snow-covered peaks are the Popocatepetl and Ixtaccihuatl volcanoes. Rugendas had climbed both volcanoes and carried out studies at different altitudes. (A. Nicklisch 2003)