An interpretation of the Channel Fleet in July 1898. The low viewpoint provides a long view down the three lines of ships. In the central foreground, the 'Majestic' is depicted, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Sir Henry Stephenson and signalling to the fleet, which consisted of eight battleships and five cruisers. Smoke can be seen from her funnels and those of the rest of the fleet. The commanding officer of the leading cruiser, the 'Crescent', was HRH The Duke of York, afterwards King George V.

The artist was born in Italy but lived in Brazil until he came to England in 1876. In 1895 Queen Victoria appointed him Marine Painter in Ordinary. His style brought a new realism to British marine painting. The picture is signed bottom right.