The painting depicts an auction of fish landed from rowing boats on the beach near Newlyn, where they were sold by an auctioneer known as a "jowster". The lug sails of the Newlyn fleet of fishing boats can be seen in the background, out on the water. The tide has recently gone out, leaving wet patches that reflect the sky. The painting depicts several fishermen and fishwives in traditional dress - the men wearing sou'wester hats, rough jumpers, oilskin trousers, and heavy leather boots. The women wear heavy aprons known as a "towser" and woollen shawls. The work was probably painted on the beach near the old medieval harbour of Newlyn, shortly before the new south and north quays were constructed in 1885-86 and 1888–1894, followed by a new covered fish market that opened in 1908.
