Anthonie Pieter Schotel (1890–1958) was a painter from Dordrecht who was active between 1905 and 1958. He was a descendant of the famous maritime painter Johannes Christiaan Schotel (1787–1838). Schotel's works can be described as impressionistic depictions of primarily sea or harbour scenes. He painted many boats on the Zuiderzee, but the French coast also appears frequently in his body of work.

This oil on canvas is painted by A.P. Schotel and is signed in the lower left. In this painting, the sea and sky are the main focus. The boats and the distant harbour in the background are almost secondary elements. It seems as though Schotel is attempting to capture the rolling motion of the sea. Additionally, it appears that he is depicting the exact moment when the clouds are beginning to break apart, and the blue sky is slowly emerging, starting in the upper right corner.

On the back of the frame, the address 'Noolscheweg 9 Laren' is noted. This was Schotel's home address from 1929 until 1944.