Originally from Emden in Germany, Ludolf Bakhuysen specialized in marine painting in Amsterdam. In this seascape he depicted various types of ships sailing on choppy water and under a dramatic cloudy sky. At the right is a yacht with a grand showing of the flag. Bakhuysen placed his signature on the fluttering flag. In the left foreground is a fisherman pulling his nets into a little boat. In the background is a warship lying at anchor that has just fired a salute.