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View of El Arenal in Bilbao depicts a scene enlivened by the presence of stevedores and traders, chatting and carting goods amidst other merchandise and luggage in the foreground of the composition. The estuary of the river Nervión is enhanced behind the figures, while on the right the wharf is demarcated by a parapet.
Paret lived in Bilbao from 1779 to 1786, years of prolific activity during which he was commissioned by king Charles III to paint views of the ports of the bay of Biscay, a series that includes this composition. The genre of vedute painting was much appreciated in the 18th century; this ensemble is closely related to the series entitled Ports of France painted by Claude-Joseph Vernet for Louis XV in 1753 and that Paret knew from engravings in his library.
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