Best known for his landscaped, Wolfgang-Adam Töpffer is a worthy representative of the so-called "Ecole genevoise de peinture". He first studied at the Société des Arts in Geneva, then in Paris, where he stayed from 1786 to 1789. From the 1790s onwards, he took part in several exhibitions, both in Switzerland and abroad. The painter won a gold medal at the Paris Salon in 1802 and at the Basel Salon in 1830. Wolfgang-Adam Töpffer enjoyed a prestigious clientele, as evidence by the purchase of several of his works by the Empresses Maria-Fédorovna and Joséphine. The present drawing is a perfect example of Wolfgang-Adam Töpffer's sketches. Like the other sketches by the artist presented here, this Study of trees is part of the artist's regular production of sketches. The white chalk highlights contrast with the black stone, giving the trees their volume and grandeur.