Engraving of Olinda, 1671

These splendid views illustrate the Dutch attack on the Portuguese town of Olinda in 1630.

For most of the 17th century, Portugal and the Netherlands had a trade agreement whereby the Portuguese colonies in the New World produced sugar and the Dutch distributed it throughout Europe through their established trading network. Following the unification of the kingdoms of Portugal and Spain, the Dutch lost their monopoly on distribution and founded the West India Company in 1621.

Soon after, the Dutch began their attack on Pernambuco, first in Salvador and then in Olinda. From above, the view of Povo (which later became Recife) and Olinda from the sea. In the background a great panoramic view of the region full of ships, some in battle, and the town of Povo already in flames.

Engraving of Vila de Olinda in 1671 – Historical engraving