The Northeastern coast in Dutch Brazil - Session III

Olinda, Frans Post, 1647

In this print of the old village of Olinda, Post depicted a landscape full of bushes, and highlighting its churches: Carmo's Church, Sé Cathedral, Convent and Church of São Francisco. On the beach in the foreground there are some slaves chatting.

The village of Olinda was the first place to be conquered by the Dutch in 1630, and was held until 1645. At the time of its conquest, the churches were depredated and robbed, and part of the town was burned down. 

"The city of Pernambuco [Olinda] is built on a rather high hill, which advances as a promontory over the Ocean Sea. To the south it slopes down and stretches gently into a white sand beach; to the north it is very steep (...)"

Itamaraca, Frans Post, 1647

In this print we see the island of Itamaracá across the Maria de Farinha River. Some indigenous women are walking with their children on the beach in the foreground. On the right side at the tip of the island is Fort Orange, today Fortaleza de Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Fortress).

The Captaincy of Itamaracá was surrendered in 1633 and annexed to the Dutch dominions.From 1645 onwards, the Portuguese regained control. 

"S. Maria de Farinha. The place is located 8 miles from Pernambuco [Olinda]: at the mouth of the river is the island of Tamaracá [Itamaracá]. Sugar cane, flour and some brazilwood are grown in the vicinity. The coast is rocky and steep, a danger for large ships (...)"

Ostium Fluminis Paraybae, Frans Post, 1647

The image shows the Forte do Cabedelo (now Santa Catarina Fortress) and the river bar, seen from a beach at Cabedelo.In the background, one can see the Forte de Santo Antônio on the other side of the river.  Its fortification no longer exists. 

The Captaincy of Paraíba was conquered by the WIC in 1634, after three military campaigns, and was kept under partial occupation until 1654. 

"Four leagues north of Cabo Branco is the large and wide Paraíba river, where the Portuguese are building many houses and mills, the sugar from there being as good as that of Pernambuco. [...]. On both sides of the river, the coast is dirty [reefs] [...]"

Fluvius Grandi, Frans Post, 1647

This painting shows some fishermen on an open beach in the vicinity of the Fort Reis Magos near the city of Natal. 

The Captaincy of Rio Grande do Norte was conquered by the Dutch in 1633 and partially occupied until 1654. For the most part, the Dutch domination was restricted to the city of Natal and the neighboring territories.

"Rio Grande, also called Rio Potengi. It is a beautiful and wide river that also in front of it a stone reef, just like the one in Pernambuco, which gives it a natural defense. However, not many people live there because of the Cariben,  called Tapuyas [...]" 

Siara, Frans Post, 1647 

In this image, Frans Post depicted the city of Fortaleza as seen from the interior, not from the coast. 

The Captaincy of Ceará was easily conquered in 1637. The town of Fortaleza and the coast remained under Dutch rule until 1644, when they were expelled, although they returned in 1650 to recover the lost lands, but failed in their attempt. 

"Povo of Siara [Fortaleza] is a Portuguese village, situated at 3 degrees, relying on a few garrisons for the defense of the coast. These do not dare to go deeper into the interior, because there are Indians who are their enemies. [...]." 

Maragnon, Frans Post, 1647

The painting shows the village of Sao Luis as seen from the river bar. One can see houses and churches and the harbor full of ships. 

Maranhão was the last territory conquered by the Dutch, something that happened in 1641, in the last years of Nassau's government. The dominion lasted inconstantly until 1644,  after which the presence was reduced to the governor and a garrison.

"The Maranhon River [Gulf of Maranhão] forms a large gulf or bay in which several islands are found. At the eastern end is Carapa Island and to the west is the Punta da Comma River, 2 degrees south of the equator.   The bay extends outward 18 miles [...]"