The galleon 'Santa Maria' was the flagship of Christopher Colombus, and is shown here at anchor in August 1492. The ship stands against the early morning light, and there is close detailed observation of the rigging, in which sailors have been portrayed, preparing to set sail. Together with the 'Niña' and the 'Pinta', the 'Santa Maria' was one of three ships that left Spain in 1492 on Columbus's first voyage to the Americas. In contrast to the two speedy caravels, the 'Santa Maria' was a larger merchantman, 77 feet long, and carried about 45 crewmen.

Van Eertvelt is regarded as the first Flemish marine painter. After his tour of Italy he favoured views of southern harbours, with calm seas painted in soft tones. This portrait of the 'Santa Maria' combines his new awareness of Mediterranean landscapes with an imaginary interpretation of an historical event. The galleon wears a striped red and gold ensign, the traditional Spanish colours. The similar flag at the fore has the addition of a religious figure, which is almost certainly the Virgin Mary.