A merchant ship in full sail is shown in the centre of the painting, with the motif of a swan painted on her stern. She flies the Dutch flag from the stern and top-mast, and tows two small craft. Behind her a ship is visible in broadside view and at anchor. On either side of the painting land is shown with church towers and the buildings of towns. There are other coastal craft including a hoeker or small Dutch coasting vessel on the right, with leeboard visible and several men occupied on the deck. A menacing cloud rises up behind the merchant vessel, with the sun's rays shining through the clouds on the right.

Born in Hoorn, the artist was first a pupil of Abraham Liedts before moving to Amsterdam, where he became both the pupil and close imitator of Ludolf Bakhuizen. He probably moved back to Hoorn in about 1687.