The capture of Puerto Bello, 21 November 1739
Image information
The capture of Puerto Bello, 21 November 1739
The capture of Porto Bello (properly Puerto Bello) was part of a campaign known as 'The War of Jenkins' Ear', which was fought against Spain in the West Indian colonies and was in effect an early stage of the War of the Austrian Succession, 1740-1748. In this panoramic view from the south-west of the harbour, the Iron Castle lies in the middle distance. It is shown exchanging fire with the 'Burford', in starboard-quarter view and in the left foreground the 'Strafford', and the 'Princess Louisa', can be seen in starboard-bow view. To the right of the 'Burford', and partially obscured by the smoke of her guns are the remaining three ships, in port-quarter view. Beyond is the Spanish shipping at anchor off Porto Bello in the right background, and the nearer port defence, Gloria Castle, is firing her cannon. The land round the harbour is thickly wooded. Scott's representation of the event, with its distorted perspective, draws on the tradition of bird's-eye-view, 17th century topographical landscape painting.
Samuel Scott
- Image reference: BHC0354
- National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Discover more
More by this artist
Search for similar images
Product images of The capture of Puerto Bello, 21 November 1739
Our prints
We use a 240gsm fine art paper and premium branded inks to create the perfect reproduction.
Our expertise and use of high-quality materials means that our print colours are independently verified to last between 100 and 200 years.
Read more about our fine art prints.
Manufactured in the UK
All products are printed in the UK, using the latest digital presses and a giclée printmaking process.
We only use premium branded inks, and colours are independently verified to last between 100 and 200 years.
Delivery & returns
We print everything to order so delivery times may vary but all unframed prints are despatched within 2-4 days via courier or recorded mail.
Due to the coronovirus pandemic and Brexit situation, current shipping times may be longer, particularly for destinations outside the UK.
Delivery to the UK is £5 for an unframed print of any size.
We will happily replace your order if everything isn’t 100% perfect.
