Jenner’s composition of a derelict cottage at Bowen Hills would have contrasted starkly with the newly constructed homes and hospital in the growing suburb named after Governor Bowen. The cottage in disrepair speaks of Brisbane’s earlier years, with a shingled roof and axe-split fence now seeming abandoned. Shadows cast from the fence suggest it was composed either early morning or late afternoon, with sunsets or sunrises being a recurring theme throughout Jenner’s oeuvre.

Jenner composed a preparatory watercolour Sketch for ‘Slab cottage, Bowen Hills’ 1894; in contrast, this oil composition is more stylised than the sketch, with an added damaged rain tank at the side. In the finished work, the horizon of the sky and underbelly of the clouds are accentuated by pink hues, adding weight to the time of day.