Luis Graner y Arrufi was born in Barcelona in 1863. He studied in Paris and participated in numerous exhibitions throughout Europe where his paintings were highly regarded. Around 1910 he moved to New York City. Living in Manhattan afforded him the opportunity to shift the subject matter of his work from the indoor scenes he had favored when working in Europe to the outdoor views of his new environs. Sunset over the Hudson River applies Graner's trademark exaggerated theatrical lighting to the dramatic vista of the Palisades across the Hudson River at sunset. Though painted in 1923, this view has little changed in the ensuing years, and it presents an interesting view of the life along the waterway surrounding Manhattan.