Richard Hayley Lever (1875-1958) was an Australian-American painter, etcher, lecturer and art teacher. He studied under James Ashton at his Norwood art school and was a member of the Adelaide Easel Club before emigrating to New York and later settling in Massachusetts. Lever taught at the Art Students League of New York. He is recognized today as a significant figure in 20th century American Impressionism. His works are included in the White House collection, the Hirschorn Museum, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Corcoran Gallery of Art, and many other distinguished collections.

An outstanding oil painting executed with thick use of paint capturing a luminous sight of a train in motion under a bridge with heavy smoke trailing upward. We can feel that a mood is set, as the sky is a deep blue seemingly at twilight. The train tracks are depicted with trees in the upper left corner and snow traces on either side of the canvas. Overall, this painting glorifies American travel during the 20th Century in an impressionistic manor with beautiful brush work and strong contrasting colors. A most fine work done with rich colors of cobalt blue, mars black and pops of bright whites and raw umbers. Signed lower mid right with original plague placed bottom center and displayed in a wonderful carved frame. There is writing inscribed on verso with signature.