This coloured woodcut shows the British paddle steamer ‘Great Western’. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched in Bristol in 1837, she was the first purpose-built transatlantic steamship and became the model for successive Atlantic paddle steamers. She is shown here travelling near the coast under steam only, with her sails furled and several figures on deck. Three ships under sail are visible in the background, close to the coast or an island, left. There is a letterpress below the picture, containing a detailed description of the ship.