A squadron of experimental ships off the Rock of Lisbon, Portugal, with the 'Columbine', 18 guns, shown broadside in full sail. The other ships of the squadron can be seen to the right and left. In the foreground a small lateen-rigged Portuguese coastal craft, apparently of the type known in English as a 'bean cod', is running before the stiff breeze with several figures shown sitting in the stern. It was the function of experimental squadrons to test out new types of vessels and their sailing qualities. The artist has carefully delineated the detailing on the ships and the inclusion of light and movement reveals close observation of prevailing weather conditions.

At the end of the Napoleonic War in 1815 Britain anticipated an era of peace and stability, and it was this period that Schetky captured in his work.

He was a Scottish painter who studied drawing with Alexander Nasmyth and embarked on a Continental tour in 1801. Initially drawing-master at the Royal Military College, Great Marlow, he was Professor of Drawing at the Royal Naval Academy, Portsmouth, from 1811 until it closed in 1836. He then fulfilled the same role at the East India College, Addiscombe, until his retirement in 1855 although he remained active as a marine painter until his death at the age of 95. His work was informed by close personal knowledge of the sea and his subjects ranged from ship portraits and royal embarkations to reconstructions of earlier sea battles of the time of Nelson. In 1820 he was made Marine Painter in Ordinary to George IV and was granted the same title by Queen Victoria in 1844. He frequently travelled on board the royal yacht and assisted the Queen with her own sketches. While at Portsmouth, he also supplied Turner with studies of the 'Victory', for his 1822-24 painting of the Battle of Trafalgar (BHC0565). The painting is signed and dated 1831.