View of Colombo

Written in pen on the reverse: Colombo op Ceylon 1755.

View of Colombo from the sea with several vessels in the foreground. The city has a perimeter wall with several bastions. To the left is a large building with at least two storeys, while there is a tower in the centre and a flagpost flying the Dutch tricolour to the right. In the foreground an East Indiaman sails under the Dutch flag. A rowboat with flag can be seen to the left while a small sailing vessel lies at anchor. Against the horizon, to the right, is an East Indiaman in full sail.