Olga Wisinger-Florian was a key exponent of the style known as Atmospheric Impressionism and one of the greatest landscapists and flower painters of the fin de siècle. Following a career as a concert pianist, she turned her attention to painting, regularly exhibiting at the annual exhibitions of the Künstlerhaus from 1881. Falling Leaves shows a scene from the Vienna Woods, a popular destination for day-trippers since the late 19th century. The dense, autumnal leaves encircle the lone walker almost entirely. At its first presentation at Vienna’s Kunstsalon Pisko, the painting made such an impression that it was immediately purchased for the Imperial Picture Gallery.