A group of bragozzi – the fishing boats of Venice – is depicted in a morning heat haze. The boat with a yellow sail decorated with a sun and crescent moon provides the work with its title. This distinctive design may have been invented by Turner, although it was probably inspired by the type of decorations found on such vessels, which he often sketched and painted. The church of Santa Maria della Salute appears in silhouette on the left, adding depth to the mirage-like effect of the drawing