This monochrome drawing is typical of the drawings that Wyllie produced for reproduction in the early 1900s. This one was almost certainly produced for the 'Illustrated London News' at the beginning of the Russo-Japanese War, probably in February 1904. By this time, wood engraving had been replaced by a photographic process to reproduce artists' work, and this made it possible for more dramatic effects to be achieved. In addition to the grey and black wash, Wyllie has used opaque white for vivid light effects.