A three-masted 19th-century American whaling ship under full sail, flying an American flag, rides the horizon right of center. In the lower-left foreground a large sperm whale breaks the surface, its back and head ringed with white foam, while rolling teal waves fill the lower half and soft cream-white clouds drift in a pale blue sky.

The contrast between the small distant ship and the large, close whale creates depth without linear perspective. The picture has the feel of an aged folk marine painting, with visible canvas grain, small directional strokes forming the waves and clouds, and a faint warm tone of antique varnish and haze toward the horizon.