A bird’s-eye view of a ship’s departure ceremony. The drawing is in portrait format. It is organized within a frame drawn in ink. Traces of watercolor and inscriptions are visible in the margins.
In the foreground is a boat loaded with a cargo of amphorae. On board, three men are performing a ceremony in front of a small altar, prior to the ship’s departure. One of them is holding a tray containing statuettes of deities. The ship is moored at the quay, where a warehouse is located. Various goods are deposited on the docks. A mule helps transport them.
The statues of the gods are inspired by the Torlonia relief in Ostia.