An atmospheric interpretation of a sea and skyscape. In the distance to the left, a ship signals for a pilot. To the right, a pilot cutter has been depicted racing towards her. The artist has positioned both in the distance and broadly to the left, to imply receding distance and to create a sensation of the vastness of the ocean. The depiction of the sky occupies half the canvas and the artist has combined its brightness with an intense purple and green in the sea to enhance the dramatic effect.

Henry Moore began his career under Pre-Raphaelite influence and later turned to painting open seascape. The sea was often the central motif of his paintings, a theme that became increasingly popular for the Victorians. As he progressed he developed a freer technique and became more impressionistic, a transition completed by the time of this painting, which was done towards the end of his life. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1893.