This study may be a scheme for a larger painting, possibly ‘Boarding an Enemy’ which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1805. In the top left corner, and below the Marine officer, is the shadowy figure of Nelson with an outstretched left arm and an empty sleeve on the right. The artist demonstrates his interest in dramatic visual effects with the powerfully depicted figures in the foreground, poised for combat amid swirling smoke. Drawing on Renaissance imagery, a soldier stands in front of a mast evoking a crucifix, facing death in a position of martyrdom. The vertical thrust of the composition enhances the theatricality of the image. Drummond also worked on a series of images relating to the death of Nelson.