A scene of the battle of Wad-Ras, fought on 23 March 1860, that put an end to the War in Africa (1859-1860) between Spain and Morocco.

At the behest of the Regional Government of Barcelona, Fortuny joined the Catalan Volunteer Corps commanded by General Prim (1814-1870) as a war reporter for the General Staff. During the war he made numerous studies at the front lines, capturing the moments of battle on the spot. The free rendering, wealth of colors and great density of material emphasize the sense of immediacy.