In the left middle distance is a States yacht ('statenjacht', a vessel used to transport members of government or visiting dignitaries) carrying the ensign of the States-General, the Dutch chamber of provincial delegates in The Hague.
Beyond the States yacht are several men-of-war with Dutch colours; one of them, and the yacht, is firing a salute. A group of dated pencil and wash drawings has been related to the picture, which is probably a scene on the Dutch coast near Den Helder.
