See Hiang To was born in Fujian in 1906 into a family of calligraphers and Chinese literati painters. At a young age, he picked up calligraphy and seal carving from his father and grandfather, who were also masters of the mediums. See also cited calligrapher Wu Changshuo and the Shanghai School (a style of Chinese art originating from Shanghai during the late 19th century) as his major influences. See emigrated to Singapore in 1938, and over time, the subject matter in his paintings began to steer away from traditional Shanghai School themes of birds and flowers. Instead, he increasingly reflected on scenes and the living environment in Southeast Asia.

This artwork presents the first verse of 赠汤若望诗翰 by Wang Duo, a Ming dynasty poet and scholar. While See often wrote in clerical, bronze, and small seal script, the poem is written in cursive script. Despite his unusual choice of employing this style, his calligraphic skill still shines through. His simple yet bold and imposing strokes follow a rhythm, animating the artwork and breathing life into the poem.