Beyond, three French sailors have been sketched, precariously balancing on a piece of wreckage. Beyond and to the left, is the starboard-side beakhead of another ship, her bowsprit shot away. Under her bow, sailors cling to a mast and yard. Here the canvas is bare, covered with lightly sketched figures.

The ship in the background to the left is possibly the British 'Alexander', 74 guns. Her sails billow from the explosion of the French flagship, 'L'Orient', 120 guns, in the left centre background, in port-quarter view. The artist captures the chaotic confusion of battle, focusing on the sailors' plight. British officers demonstrate humanity by rescuing the defeated enemy. The central subject of this painting is the explosion of 'L'Orient', yet the main focus is the human cost of the battle.

Brown was born in America and worked in England. He showed 80 paintings at the Royal Academy. Despite phenomenal early success, he fell on hard times and was disinherited by his father. He then concentrated on creating large religious and historical subjects, which were unsaleable. He died in London in poverty, in a room crowded with unsold paintings. The painting has been signed by the artist.