View of Mocha

The VOC opened a lodge in Mocha in 1621. In the following decades it would become increasingly important due to the emerging European market for coffee, although the trade was impacted by the difficult and precarious relations with the local rulers.

This watercolour has similarities to Österreichische Nationalbibliothek: Van der Hem 43:41, although the city has been depicted differently, and more simply, on this one.

Part of the Carte di Castello, collected by Cosimo de Medici III in 1667 and 1669 during his tours through Europe. Cosimo III bought the 66 watercolours by Vingboons in December 1667 in Amsterdam, through mediation of Pieter Blaeu.