HMS Eurydice was a training ship for ordinary seamen which had sunk in a sudden squall on 24 March 1878. There were more than 300 men on board but only two survivors. She was brought into Sandown bay on the Isle of Wight, but an easterly gale caused her further damage and by 9 August, when this picture was painted, she was being pumped out in preparation for being moved to Portsmouth Harbour.

In the painting the vessel is in Sandown Bay under Culver Cliff, with spectators and a photographer on the beach. There are other small craft, including steam tugs and the 'Rinaldo', which had helped to raise the sunken ship. The picture was apparently painted in less than 40 hours by Robins 'an artillery sergeant who paints naval subjects exceedingly well. He is self taught', according to Queen Victoria's notes in her Journal. The Queen had driven over with other members of her family to see the wreck.

Signed and dated: H. Robins / Augt 9th 1878.