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.

After learning of the Spanish thirst for gold, the Indians of Darien would torture any Spaniards they caught by binding their arms and legs and pouring molten gold down their throat. The Indians would yell, "Eat gold, Christians." They would then sever their arms and legs and roast their limbs upon a fire, while dancing around the fire. Although some Indians would eat the corpses, most did not as they believed that the Spaniards were so evil that ingesting them might do them harm. On a sheet of German text measuring 9 x 14".

References:

Condition: B+

Some show-through of text on verso with marginal toning and soiling.