This coloured aquatint depicts a battle scene between British and French squadrons off Madagascar on 20th May 1811. The four British ships, Astrea, Phoebe, Galatea and Racehorse (in port bow view), are in line, on starboard tacks, from the centre to the right of the picture. The three French ships, La Nereide, La Renommee and La Clorinde (in starboard stern quarter view), on port tacks, are passing the British line, from the left to the centre of the picture. Cannon smoke billows between the ships and many of the sails are holed.

La Renommee and La Nereide were captured. La Clorinde struck her colours, but later escaped.

The ships, their commanders, numbers of guns and men are listed.

This picture is the first of a set of four, the others being PAI6167, PAI6168 and PAI6169.