A starboard side view, just aft of the broadside, of the French cruiser Jean Bart (1889) anchored at Shanghai. A large tricolour flag is flying at the stern and the cruiser is dressed overall. The Imperial German flag is flying from the main mast. A couple of sampans are in the water at the stern. In the background, off the ship's port bow, are two single-funnelled and two-masted European steamers morred next to each other.

The original negative envelope was labelled: 'French Cruiser Jean Bart, Shanghai, 1900' and the reverse of the accompanying contact print is labelled: 'Jean Bart' French Cruiser at Shanghai during the troubles 1900'