This Strasbourg artist, son of a miniaturist, was trained there and in Paris. After moving to London in 1771 he became a major force in British History Painting, a Royal Academician and a painter and owner of the famous mechanical theatre, the Eidophusicon.

This dramatic and theatrical wash drawing recalls de Loutherbourg's earlier work as a stage designer at Drury lane and Covent Garden. The drawing may be connected with a painting of the 'Chevrette' action exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1802.