This is one of the main representations of Porto at the end of the 18th century, which documents the city delimited by the old wall built in the 14th century to defend the town whose perimeter went up from Forte da Porta Nova to Porta das Virtudes, descending from Porta do Sol and rushing over the river in Guindais, a place where a small section still survives today.
The engraving depicts the vessels and riverside activities in Vila Nova: a Portuguese frigate under construction and others under repair. Valboeiro boats or passing barges are moored at the pier and, on the beach, a rabelo boat unloads the kites. The characters are also meticulously described in their costumes and work.