This hand-coloured lithograph depicts the ‘Great Western’, which was the first purpose-built transatlantic steamship. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and launched in Bristol in 1837, she established the advantage of steam over sail for transatlantic travel, becoming the model for successive Atlantic paddle steamers. She carried a large array of sails, although she is shown here under steam only, with the sails on all four of her masts furled. Her forward momentum is indicated by a plume of smoke billowing from her funnel, creating the impression that she is steaming swiftly past the various other vessels in the picture. In the background there is a coastline of low, wooded hills.