A piano boat moves beneath a low bridge in a narrow canal. The dark instrument rests on folded padding and timber blocks, held down by blue straps. One man crouches beside it, watching the space between the closed lid and the stone arch. At the stern, another man stands at the control and follows the same passage ahead. Their different positions make the shared task easy to understand.

The boat's worn dark hull sits low against the water, with several fenders hanging over its sides. A small wake gathers behind it and along the near edge. Reflections from the pale buildings break into short patches as the boat passes through them.

Above the cargo, the bridge fills much of the view with weathered masonry, brick repairs and small plants in its joints. Ochre plaster walls and green shutters rise beyond the arch. The close fit of boat, instrument and bridge gives the scene its tension, while the padding and restraints make the practical work of transporting such an awkward object visible.