Jean Adrien Guignet (1816-1854) entered the École des Beaux-Arts in 1836, where he studied under his brother, Jean-Baptiste Guignet, and under the neo-classical painter Blondel. He exhibited at the Salon from 1840 to 1848, winning medals in 1844 and 1848. He produced history paintings and religious subjects, often incorporating elements of Orientalism, as well as genre scenes, and landscapes with figures.

A view of the lake at sunset from high ground, with a wooded shore in the foreground and the water reflecting the mountains, including Mont Blanc, in the background; on the lake are various sailing boats.