The captured and dismasted French frigate, La Piedmontaise, is shown in port broadside view in the centre of the picture. A British Union Jack flies higher than the French flag at her stern. Small cutters are being rowed at her bow and stern, presumably manoeuvring her. Various figures can be seen on her deck. On the left of the picture, the British San Fiorenzo (herself once a French frigate), on a port tack, flying the British ensign at her stern, approaches the bow of the Piedmontaise. The San Fiorenzo has holed sails and clearly has been involved in some action. A mountainous landscape can be seen in the background.