This interpretation depicts Duncan standing on the quarter-deck of the 'Venerable', receiving the surrender of the Dutch Admiral de Winter. Duncan's portrait shows him full-length in admiral's undress uniform, 1795–1812. He is positioned on the left side of the painting and with his right hand ushers the Dutch admiral out of the picture and into the cabin. He holds his hat in his left hand and de Winter, wearing a greatcoat, approaches Duncan from the right of the picture. He holds his hat in his left hand and his sword, which he holds by the scabbard in his right hand, is being proffered to the British admiral.

When Duncan's flag was shot away, Crawford, a sailor from the 'Venerable' took another up to the main top-gallant masthead and, in the absence of halliards, nailed it to the mast. He is depicted full-length, full face, and wearing a blue coat, red waistcoat and neutral coloured trousers. He is above the group on the 'Venerable's' quarterdeck. In his right hand he carries the marlin spike he used to nail Duncan's flag to the mast.