A diligence is a type of coach, which can here be seen overturned in the snow. This work was originally called ' Naufrage dans la Neige' (Shipwreck in the Snow), with ' Montagnes du Jura' added on occasion. The present title was also used by the artist. Courbet is said to have witnessed a similar accident when on a hunting expedition in the forest of Livier in the Jura.