The artwork is an impressionist oil painting depicting a fleet of tall sailing ships docked in a harbour, adorned with colourful signal flags. The vertical masts rise prominently toward the top of the frame, draped with lines of festive pennants in red, white, blue, and yellow that create a sense of celebration. The ships occupy the middle ground, their dark, solid hulls contrasting with the soft, atmospheric rendering of the water and sky.
The composition is anchored by the rhythmic repetition of the masts and the vibrant, dappled reflections of the flags on the water's surface. The artist uses loose, visible brushstrokes to suggest the gentle movement of the harbour. The lower third of the scene features a calm, shimmering water plane where the deep tones of the ship hulls blur into soft, rippling shadows and highlights.
The colour palette is dominated by muted, airy tones, including pale ochre, soft blues, and creamy whites, suggesting a bright, overcast day. The light is diffused, creating a hazy, serene atmosphere typical of late 19th-century impressionism. The overall mood is one of tranquil maritime activity, with the bright pops of colour from the flags providing a focal point against the soft, neutral backdrop of the cloudy sky and calm, reflective harbour water.