George Peacock often sold sets of small paintings to clients — generally of harbour views. This is one of seven oils, purchased by Thomas Wise, thought to have been a publican.

The painting depicts South Head overshadowed by an approaching storm. South Head Lighthouse is at the centre of the work. A charming essay on the moods of Sydney Harbour, this little painting, like other works by the artist, is characterised by the attention paid to the atmosphere of a scene.

Peacock had been a lawyer when he defrauded his brother of nearly £7000. He was transported to Sydney for the crime and worked at South Head Signal Station as a meteorological weather data recorder.