A fleet of Dutch ships is shown in a line. In the foreground the 'St Iago de Victoria' is shown running down under topsails and half-clewed fore course towards the large squadron stretching away in two lines abreast on the port tack. Her name is inscribed on the transom beam 'S/IA/GO/DE/VIC/TO/RIA', while the picture is signed and dated 'G.Vonk/Aº 1714' on the floating spar, lower right.

Despite the signature, little is known about this artist who probably worked in Holland during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The technique of grisaille (penschilderij) comprises pen and ink drawings on prepared gesso panels or canvases and is more accurately described as pen painting. This technique permitted highly detailed drawing, which demonstrated the artist's ability and knowledge of shipping.