The scene depicts a nocturnal view of a waterway in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France

The scene depicts a nocturnal view of a waterway in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. A vessel, identified as a barge or houseboat, is moored on the left side of the frame, secured to a light-colored vertical mooring post with a thick rope. The vessel's hull below the waterline is submerged in dark, reflective water. Its visible structure consists of a lower black section featuring three distinct circular portholes, and an upper, lighter-colored section, possibly beige, which prominently displays the name "BORDEAUX" in black capital letters. Rectangular windows on the upper section reflect ambient light and contain what appears to be dry plant material. Two white swans are present in the murky water. One swan is positioned in the foreground, oriented towards the left, with its neck extended upwards. A second swan is partially visible further back and to the right, closer to the bank. The right bank of the waterway is characterized by dense green foliage, including grass and small shrubs, extending into the water. A dark, level surface, consistent with a paved edge or walkway, borders the foliage at the bottom right of the image. Ambient light sources, not visible within the frame, illuminate the scene, casting reflections on the water's surface.