This was French territory into the early 1800s and the twin row of trees is an "allee" or impressive entrance. This doesn't translate well into English, where "alley" is generally a back or service entrance.

In the distance, a man comes up the brick path from the River Road and Mississippi River levee beyond.

This is a straight photograph. A companion image, OAK ALLEY #21, offers a detail shot with an added oil painting effect.