H.M.S. Phaeton is depicted at anchor, in this tinted lithographic proof, in port broadside view. All her sails are hoisted but draped for drying. An ensign hangs loose at her stern. The background shows the harbour with a distinctive, three tiered, square tower, possibly Mediterranean as a small local sailing vessel, on the right of the picture, is lateen rigged, typical of that area, as are others in the distance on the left. A naval cutter approaches the port side of Phaeton, while one is already moored alongside and another is tied to Phaeton’s stern.