This is one of the most important late 18th century depictions of Porto. It records the city encircled by the old wall built in the 14th century for the town’s defence, whose perimeter went from the Forte da Porta Nova to the Porta das Virtudes, descending from the Porta do Sol and going on to the river at Guindais, where a small stretch still survives today.
The engraving depicts the boats and riverside activities at Vila Nova: a Portuguese frigate under construction and others under repair. Valbom boats or passing barges are moored at the quay and, on the beach, a rabelo boat unloads barrels. The characters’ clothes and activities are also meticulously presented.