A smalschip with sprit lowered and with no sails set, runs through a narrow gap in a low breakwater, past a small rowing boat with figures. Two ships are visible further out to sea. With its low horizon and rough sea, this compositional study is reminiscent of the harbour scenes of Jacob van Ruisdael.

The drawing is inscribed in the sky: ‘L’ to indicate the direction of light, and is signed in brown ink: ‘W V V J’.