In a fine example of Dutch school paintings, our scene portrayed here is a lively work of a traditional Dutch cog clearing the harbor and heading out into the great North Sea. As the wind rises, the crew may be seen struggling to hoist the flogging sail in the choppy sea.

The vibrant rose hues in the sky nicely accent the sea's peaks and troughs splendidly painted in following the traditional 17th-Century Dutch style as would be found in works by Ludolph Bakhuysen. Other shipping appears in the background with the composition balanced by the picturesque Dutch town and its imposing sea wall protecting it from the ocean's might.

Note the subtle lighting highlights accenting the curve of the ship's hull and the observant detail of the vessel and her crew. The elements of ships, sea and sky are combined by the artist, believed to possibly be by the hand of Johann Meijer, in this action filled image to create a powerful rendering of the one of the seas many moods.