Wild's mastery of color and manipulation of shadow allowed him to create this dramatic view of the Saint Louis skyline over Chouteau's pond. He included himself in the scene, sketching what lay before him. The lake was on the outskirts of town, located in an area owned by the prominent Chouteau family who were instrumental in the founding of St. Louis. At three miles wide, in 1767 it served as the cities main outdoor recreation area. 11"x14" Matted print from the collections of the Missouri History Museum.