Portrait of an English third-rate of about 60 guns. The drawing has been lightly rubbed on the reverse which suggests that it is an offset completely worked up except for the masts and sails. If the dating is correct (based on the subject as the ship has open galleries and an escutcheon) this would be a very late drawing for the Elder. The ship is shown at sea pitching and heeling to starboard, and is possibly a study for a painting by the Younger.