During the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars smuggling between Britain and France was rife. Products such as Brandy and wines came from Europe whilst Wool etc went the other way to France and Spain. The painting depicts a French Barque unloading contraband to English smugglers of the East Coast of Britain.
The picture of the Barque was inspired by the vessel moored at Docklands Victoria.
The background is a homage to Turners 19th Century work. wool.