Commanders engaged at sea [graphic]

"Two officers of high rank sit together in a cabin, gambling intently at cup (actually spike) and ball. One (left) wears a star; the other, who is older and stouter, watches the dangling ball held by his companion. At their feet is a pile of coins on papers inscribed 'Twenty Pound'. Under the former's foot is a plan of 'Fotification [sic]', under the latter's a large wall-plan of the disposition of a fleet, on which land and 'Ocean' are marked. On the broad many-paned window behind them hangs ramed plan of celestial and terrestrial globes inscribed respectively 'Celiastial' and 'Teristial'. Behind (right), a burly sailor pours out tea for the two effeminate officers, with an expression of pained contempt."--British Museum online catalogue, description of a later state of similar composition