The action, between a combined fleet of one hundred Dutch and English ships under Edward Russell and a fleet of forty-four French ships under de Tourville, took place off Cape Barfleur. The French offered stubborn resistance, but were scattered. Some escaped, but three groups were driven onto the French coast and destroyed. De Tourville's flagship the 'Soleil Royale' and twelve other ships were burnt.

Van de Velde's drawing, inscribed in Dutch, was made some years after the event. It shows the English ships at anchor or under easy sail, while the boats and fireships are sent to burn the French ships. The drawing is inscribed 'no 4' which suggests that it is one of a series of drawings of the battle.