A depiction of the schooner Emma Sharp. The Emma Sharp, of Goole, was commanded by John Sharp, who is also supposed to have been the owner. In February 1870, she wrecked near Peterhead. She was laden with guano, but it is not known to what port she was bound.

The artist, John F. Loos, was a Belgian ship portraitist, who is known to have painted in Antwerp in the third quarter of the 19th century. He received numerous commissions from British and American ship owners who called at Antwerp, and the majority of his paintings depict ships sailing the Channel.