The Art Journal described the picture as a 'closely studied bit of nature', showing 'a merry group of children playing in a field of wild flowers, while, by way of contrast, a poor old woman in the foreground drags wearily behind her for firewood a great withered tree-branch.' F.G. Stephens in the Athenaeum was also complimentary, declaring himself 'charmed' by such a 'capital and tasteful' work.