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 is a very graphic bird's-eye view of Goa, the capital of the Portuguese trading empire in Asia. This is a reduced version of Doetechum's view that illustrated editions of Jan Huygen van Linschoten's Itinerario. By the late 16th century Goa was a great trading capital as evidenced on this spectacular plan, which shows a wide array of vessels along the waterfront. The dockyards are busy with various craftsmen and elephants helping to load the ships. The map is beautifully engraved with graphic depictions of the mountains and fields, a title banner, two cartouches containing text, a coat of arms and a compass rose. Second state with German and Latin text in both cartouches.

References: Garratt (TMC-9) #P5.

Condition: B

Backed with Japanese tissue with paper replaced at binding trim and along fold with some facsimile of the docks and ships just to the right of the compass rose.