This lot of terrific copper engravings comes from La Galerie Agreable du Monde, the monumental Dutch work by one of the most prolific Dutch publishers. They document the customs of the natives of Mexico. The plates depict dances, burial rituals, the arrival of Europeans, human sacrifice, and an idol of the Aztec deity Tezcatlipoca, among many other things. Van der Aa's work was issued in 66 parts containing over 3000 maps, town plans, and topographic prints. It was the largest picture and map book ever published. Many of the engravings were printed from multiple plates and enclosed in elaborate, picture-frame borders. The views from La Galerie Agreable du Monde are rarely seen on the market, as only 100 copies of the 66 volumes of this incredible atlas were produced. All edges gilt.

A. Danseurs de Corde en Mexico [on sheet with] Danses des Mexicains [and] Les Mexicains Jouent a la Paume [and] Adresse des Mexicains en Sautant, (16.4 x 13.4").
B. Enterrement des Grands Seigneurs Mexicains [on sheet with] Pompe Funebre des Mexicains, (15.7 x 9.2").
C. Fete de la Chasse Celebre a l'Honneur de l'Idole des Chasseurs Mexicains [on sheet with] Triomphe des Rois Mexicains [and] Equipage des Rois Mexicains [and] Comme les Mexicains Introduisent les Etrangers, (16.4 x 13.4").
D. Les Mexicains Payens Celebrent la Fete de l'Idole Vitzliputzli [on sheet with] Les Mexicains Nourrissent, Adorent, & Tuent les Destines au Sacrifice [and] Offrande des Hommes Parmi les Mexicains [and] L'Offrande Ci-devant des Hommes Vivans aux Idoles sur l'Ile Sacrificios, (16.5 x 13.4").
E. Temple des Tetes des Trepastez a Mexico [on sheet with] L'Idole de Pardon des Mexicains [and] L'Idole de Penitence Venere des Penitens [and] Danse du Temple Chez le Mexicains, (16.4 x 13.4").

References:

Condition: B+

All sheets are on watermarked paper with faint toning and/or soiling. The third sheet has a small hole in the scene at bottom right, and the fifth sheet has a 2" centerfold separation at bottom that has been closed on verso with archival tape.