Stanfield was the son of an actor but had gone to sea at the age of 15 for eight years. When he returned he became a theatrical scene painter in London and was extremely successful. He made many journeys abroad to collect material for his paintings, and had been to Italy in 1838 and 1839. Stanfield had stayed at Amalfi for 12 days in November 1838 and had sketched the Gulf of Salerno in weather which he described as 'most Tempestuous'. Fisherfolk can be seen in the foreground of the painting, with boats drawn up around the bay.

Signed and dated: 'C Stanfield RA / 1840.' Inscribed on the back with the name of the artist, the title, and the date, 1840; a label, written in the artist's hand provides the same information.