Horton travelled frequently throughout Europe and painted scenes in England, Italy and France as well as in New York. As an Impressionist, he was primarily concerned with color and the effects of light on form; and he also had an interest in fashion. This scene, combines these two elements and is one of only twelve beach subjects executed by the artist. The water and sky exhibit Horton's sensitivity to light and color, while the various outfits and hats of the beachgoers display his fascination with costume. The frivality of the scene is brought up-to-date by the young boy distributing news about the War.