This work done circa 1858-60 is one of the numerous small studies done by Vedder while under the influence of the Italian Macchiaioli. These painters, Costa, Borrani, Lega, Fattori were the first group of Italian artists to abandon artist estates in favor of plein air or out of doors painting. The relatively small but fascinating school was born during the 1840s, probably as a direct consequence of the Risorgimento, a movement whose dream was to unite the Italian peninsula under one government. These Tuscan artists were descendants of the early Renaissance painters. In many ways they were the direct predecessors of the Impressionists. Monte Testaccio itself, sits on the outskirts of Rome, from the time of Augustus until the 3 rd Century AD it was used as a rubbish dump. The style and color of the piece lends itself to have been painted on the spot, one of the first principals of the Macchiaioloi school.