Gezicht op São Tomé de Meliapore 1682

This 1682 engraving by an anonymous artist depicts a view of São Tomé de Meliapore, a fortified city in India. The cityscape is shown from the sea, with several ships sailing towards the shore. The engraving is detailed, showcasing the architecture of the city, including its walls, towers, and buildings. The artist's focus on the city's defensive structures, the presence of several ships, and the overall composition suggest a maritime and military theme, perhaps reflecting the importance of trade and defense in the region. The inscription in the bottom right corner, "Wat Niewhof 1682, F, Tag 168," indicates that the engraving is part of a larger series and that it was created by a specific Dutch engraver, Willem Niehoff, on a particular day. The work provides a glimpse into the urban landscape of São Tomé de Meliapore during the 17th century.