A richly decorated ship dominates the left side, its golden prow adorned with sculpted figures and a crimson canopy overhead. At the center, a woman in a shimmering silver gown and elaborate crown steps onto the shore, surrounded by attendants in dark and light dresses, their faces turned toward her in welcome. To the right, a figure in a blue cloak decorated with gold fleur-de-lis gestures energetically toward the central woman, while several other figures extend their arms in greeting.

Above the scene, a winged female figure flies through the cloudy sky, blowing two long trumpets to announce the arrival below. Beneath the ship, mythological sea creatures—muscular men with beards and nude women—emerge from the churning water, some reaching upward, others blowing conch shells or holding onto the vessel. The composition is crowded and dynamic, with swirling movement in the lower half and a bright, silvery light illuminating the queen and her retinue at the center.

The artist uses bold, sweeping brushstrokes, especially in the waves and drapery, and the color palette moves from warm golds and reds in the ship to cool blues and greys in the sea and sky. Details such as the fleur-de-lis on the blue cloak and the white banners reinforce the French royal symbolism throughout the scene. This painting, The Disembarkation at Marseilles, was created by Peter Paul Rubens between 1622 and 1625. Rubens transforms this historical event into a grand allegory, blending real and mythological characters to emphasize the legitimacy and glory of Marie de' Medici's rule.

The inclusion of Neptune, Nereids, Triton, and Nereus among the sea figures, as well as the personification of Fame above, adds layers of symbolism that elevate the scene beyond a simple historical record. The painting belongs to the Baroque movement, known for its theatrical compositions, dramatic contrasts, and energetic forms, all of which are evident here in Rubens's handling of light, movement, and expressive figures.