This copper engraving is from a remarkable series of publications, illustrating voyages of discovery and travels of exploration to various parts of the world. The project was begun by Theodore de Bry of Frankfurt, in 1590 and was to continue for another 54 years. They became known collectively as the Grands Voyages (to America and the West Indies) and the Petits Voyages (to the Orient and the East Indies). De Bry died after the first six parts of the Grands Voyages were completed. The project was completed initially by his widow and two sons, Johann Theodore de Bry and Johann Israel de Bry, then by his son-in-law, Matthaus Merian in 1644.

The title page from the German edition to part VIII of de Bry's Grand Voyages. The three ships featured represent the travels of Sir Francis Drake, Cavendish and Sir Walter Raleigh, which are described in this part. Surrounded by detailed and well engraved depictions of natives and their bounty with a seated demon holding a specter, with clawed feet, horns, a bird face, reptile wings and a face in its abdomen.

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Condition: B

On a full sheet with watermark. Scattered foxing and some nearly invisible nick holes.