In 1809 the British ships HMS ‘Melpomene’ was serving in the Baltic where she was involved in several incidents with Danish ships. On 23 May 1809 she was attacked by twenty large Danish gun vessels and 34 of her officers and crew were killed and wounded. She also suffered considerable damage to her hull, sails and rigging. This painting, which is an imaginary account after the event, focuses on the dramatic impact of an attack which left the British ship so outnumbered. Several ships can be seen burning. The depiction of the Danish ship in the foreground prominently displaying the Danish flag, evokes imagery of Viking raids.