To the left is a two-decker, in starboard-quarter view, close-hauled on the starboard tack under fore, main and mizzen courses. The fore and main topsails are furled and the lower deck ports are closed. At the main she flies a Union flag which has been become ragged in the gale and she shows a large royal arms on the stern. Close on her port beam is another two-decker also on the starboard tack, pitching into the sea. In the right background there are two more ships close-hauled on the starboard tack with men visible on the main yard of the closer one furling the sail. There are two other ships in the right distance in sunlight. One of several versions of this scene, the original picture was probably painted as a commission for one of the flag officers who were allowed to fly the Union flag when in command of a detached squadron normally outside home waters. For this reason it has been suggested that the painting may show the squadron under Sir John Narborough which went out to the Mediterranean in 1677.

Van de Velde was the younger son of Willem van de Velde the Elder. Born in Leiden, he studied under Simon de Vlieger in Weesp and in 1652 moved back to Amsterdam. He worked in his father's studio and developed the skill of carefully drawing ships in tranquil settings. He changed his subject matter, however, when he came with his father to England in 1672-73, by a greater concentration on royal yachts, men-of-war and storm scenes. From this time painting sea battles for Charles II and his brother (and Lord High Admiral) James, Duke of York, and other patrons, became a priority. Unlike his father's works, however, they were not usually eyewitness accounts. After his father's death in 1693 his continuing role as an official marine painter obliged him to be more frequently present at significant maritime events. Signed on the back 'W.V.Velde J'. (Framed)