Port side view of HM Frigate Glasgow at anchor with sails unfurled to air and gun ports open. Figures are visible on the deck. Other vessels can be seen in the background including a square-rigged ship with sails hoisted on the left of the image; a Thames sailing barge with a large load and sprit sail lowered, sailing before the wind; and a decommissioned hull with lower masts only, on the right of the image. The shoreline, with buildings, is also visible.

The artist, Frederick Williams, was a Midshipman on H.M. Ocean.