Veduta di S. Eustachio

This is a rare view of St. Eustatius (Statia) in the Dutch West Indies, which had the distinction of being the first foreign nation to officially recognize the newly formed United States during the American Revolution.
For a while, Statia was the only link between Europe and the fledgling American nation and was the major supplier of arms and ammunition to the rebellious British Colonies. As such, it was the subject of conflict among the most powerful seafaring nations of the time.
This scene delicately depicts the capital Oranjestad, with numerous ships in the harbor. Drawn by N. Matraini and engraved by Ottauicini for this important Italian Gazateer: Gazzettiere Americano.