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.

This engraving is based on Baptista Boazio's important map of 1589. It illustrates the attack by Sir Francis Drake's fleet on the Spanish fort and settlement on May 28 and 29, 1586. St. Augustine, the oldest European city in the United States, was established by Juan Menendez de Aviles in 1565. It soon became the Spanish center of power in North America. Tensions were high between the Spanish and English in the latter part of the sixteenth century, and this was one of the highlights of Drake's expedition against the Spanish colonies in America. Printed on a full sheet (9.5 x 13.5") with Latin text below.

References: Burden #131.

Condition: A+