Closely related to the series of five paintings by de Martino depicting the events of the Battle of Trafalgar acquired by George V after the artist's death (RCINs 405392, 405396, 405400-2). In the centre, Captain Blackwood returns to his ship, 'Euralyus' in a rowing boat, having taken leave of Lord Nelson in the 'Victory' in the centre; spread across the horizon are the 'San Augustin', the 'Santissima Trinidad', the 'San Francisco de Asis', the 'Bucentaure'.

The group of was possibly painted c. 1905, around the time of the battle's centenary, and is unusual in de Martino's oeuvre, as these are the only historical scenes by him. De Martino's contemporaries, Thomas Jacques Somerscales and William Wyllie had both portrayed the event in the 1890s (Somerscales painting c. 1894, in the Government Art Collection). However, it was perhaps an appropriate reminder of one the greatest naval victories at a time when there was rising unease at the threat of war with Germany, and plans to build a Home Fleet.

Inscribed on the frame are the names of the nine ships depicted, their leaders and the following:

Capt. Blackwood returning to his ship the 'Euryalus' on taking leave of Lord Nelson he said: - "I trust my Lord that on my return to the Victory I shall find your Lordship well and in possession of twenty prizes". "God Bless you Blackwood I shall never speak to you again."