Vice-Admiral Calder’s squadron intercepted the Franco-Spanish fleet under Admiral Villeneuve off north-western Spain, as it returned from its diversionary voyage to the West Indies just before Trafalgar. At a time when Britain had become used to Nelsonic victories, Calder’s failure to engage it decisively led to his formal censure and he was never given another command.

This shows the day after the action, 24 July. British frigates have Calder’s two prizes, the Firme and the San Raphael, under tow on the right and the damaged Windsor Castle, too, on the left. Calder’s fleet is in formation in the centre and the departing enemy in the distance.

Anderson was a Scottish-born shipwright, who became an accomplished marine painter in London after about 1787.