In the early 19th century this scene of cavalry driving smugglers back into the water off a rocky coast in stormy weather fulfilled the audiences’ appetite for romantic and adventurous narratives, also reflected in contemporary literature. The soldiers can be seen riding across the foreground beach, which is framed on both sides by towering rocks. A ruined castle is situated atop the cliff to the right. The smugglers are escaping on a rowing boat in the middle ground, but also, as can be seen to the left, on horseback. The painter is unknown.