The scene depicted in the painting is the aftermath of the Massacre at Glencoe on 13th February 1692. The impetus behind this event was the desire to destroy the power of the Jacobite Highlanders. 120 soldiers, mostly Campbells under the command of Captain Campbell of Glenlyon, came to Glencoe where they were offered hospitality by John Macdonald, son of Macdonald of Glencoe and his clansmen. At five o'clock in the morning the massacre commenced and in total about 38 people were killed, mostly men. After the massacre the women who had lost their husbands and male relations wandered amidst the snow with their children seeking shelter and protection, with many perishing in the freezing conditions. The painting appears to depict this point in the aftermath of the massacre.