This coloured lithograph depicts the bombardment of Sevastopol, on 17th October 1854, by the English, French and Turkish combined fleets. Many ships, both sailing vessels and paddle steamers, are ranged across the picture and also in the far distance. Gun smoke billowing between the vessels and smoke from the steam powered ships add to the battle scene, which contrasts with the calm sea of the foreground. The Royal Navy ship Queen, shown in port bow view, is just to the right of centre, with the paddle sloop Vesuvius along her port side.