The painting was done in tempera on canvas in 1597 by Genoese painter Cristoforo de Grassi.

The painting was started by an unknown artist in 1481, but was left incomplete.

Heavy emphasis is placed upon Genoa's prominence as a trading and naval power, as can be seen with the abundance of ships.

Several war galleys of the Genoese navy occupy the center of the harbor, and city's arsenal and famous lighthouse (the Laterna) can be seen.

The scene references the return of a Genoese fleet from an expedition against the Ottoman Turks.