This engraving portrays a battle during the War of 1812. This battle, like others in which Americans defeat the British at sea, was taken up as a subject by various American artists. One other example is Michele Felice Cornè's USS “Hornet” Sinking HMS “Peacock,” 1813. The ships in this image cross over the low horizon line.

Robert Cleveley was one of many marine artists hired by the navy to create paintings which were sold to the elite in British society. Many similar images were converted into prints and purchased by the general public (N. Tracy, Palette 5, 72). Two ships are portrayed in the center right of the image, a rowboat between them.

William Anderson's Frigate is an example of many marine images which portrayed British ships simply existing on the sea. The British flags prominently displayed on both frigates ensure that the observer realizes the connection between this scene and the British nation.