A Dutch whaler is shown in the centre of the painting flying the Dutch flag from the stern and mast. It is leaving the wharf of the East India Company depicted on the right. The rigging of the whaler and other detailing has been closely observed and there are a number of figures working on the deck. A yacht to the right is shown sailing towards the wharf. In the foreground to the right a man seated in a small boat is rowed by three sailors towards the shore. He points towards the wharf with his left hand in a gesture signifying the importance of the subject of trade to the painting. There is more shipping shown on the left and on the horizon, and the artist has included a number of windmills on the skyline to the right.

Born in Hoorn, the artist was a pupil of Abraham Liedts before moving to Amsterdam. There he became both the pupil and close imitator of Ludolf Bakhuizen, and he probably moved back to Hoorn in about 1687. The painting is indistinctly signed.