In 1975, when the Museum exhibited this drawing (see PU8738-1), it was noted as relating to a Pocock oil painting in the United Arab Republic War Museum in Cairo. The drawing shows the Battle of the Nile from astern of the anchored French fleet, looking north-west, with the shore of Aboukir Bay on the left and Aboukir Fort in the left distance. The main body of Nelson's fleet sweeps in from seaward on the right, to engage the outer side of the French line. In the bottom left corner the bow of a French gunboat has been included as a visual repoussoir. Two related pencil sketches (see PU8738-2) are on the reverse of the sheet, one above the other. The lower one is practically the same composition as 8738-1. The upper one, drawn partly over a simple plan diagram of 8738-1, is a slighter stern view looking up between the engaged lines. Exhibited: NMM Pocock exhib. (1975) no. 86, as 'The Battle of the Nile: Compositional Study'.