A depiction of the defeat of the Dutch fleet of the coast of Egeroe, Norway, on 22 August 1795. When compared with Pocock’s plan drawing of the engagement (PAD0397), some of the ships can be identified by their relative location in the picture. A stern view of the Isis can be seen on the right hand side in the middle. To her right, the Reunion is shown from the bow, flying the British flag on her foremast. Another British ship, the Vestal, is in broadside view and is partially obscured by the Isis. On the left hand side of the picture is the Alliante in starboard broadside view. On her right is the British ship Stag in starboard quarter view. Barely discernible in the centre background are two other ships in starboard quarter view, not identified in Pocock’s plan drawing; following historical accounts, these are probably the Dutch frigate Argo and the cutter Vlugheid. The overall scene is particularly hazy and is north-facing, based on Pocock’s plan drawing.
This watercolour is likely to be a preparatory sketch for a larger painting, dated 1796, of the same subject, and sold at auction at Sotheby’s, London, on 15 November 1959 (lot 3).

NMM Pocock exh. (1975) no. 17