In the serene waters of a northern European coastal landscape and under the tall cumulus clouds of an evening sky both an English three-decker, which is seen just off stern, and a yacht are firing a salute. The white smoke is rolling undisturbed across the water. To the right lies a fort with a prominent round tower flying an English flag. More vessels can be seen on the horizon. A couple of staffage figures populate the shallow water in the foreground. The scene is probably imaginary rather than topographical and historic.

Peter Monamy was one of the first English artists to continue the tradition of Willem van de Velde the Younger’s marine painting into the 18th century and his work is representative of the early British school of maritime art, which still shows the overwhelming influence of the Dutch style. Monamy was self-taught, but may have worked in van de Velde’s studio in Greenwich.