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 gruesome engraving is from the remarkable series of publications known as the Grands Voyages. This series recounted the voyages of discovery to the Americas, and provided many Europeans with their first view of the New World. This engraving was published in Volume II, which recounted the French attempts at settlement in Florida, including the explorations of Laudonniere, Ribault, and Le Moyne. The engraving depicts the practices of the Outina warriors after winning a battle, as described by Jacques le Moyne. Enemies who perished in the battle were scalped, and the scalps were then held over a fire to allow the skin to dry. The bodies were then dismembered, with the arms and legs also serving as symbols of their tribe's power and triumph over their enemy. The final step in declaring victory was to thrust an arrow into the anus of the enemies' corpses. On a full page of German text measuring 9.2 x 13.0".

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Condition: A

A very nice example with a hint of toning and marginal soiling. There is a small chip at bottom right, far from image.