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 attractive small map depicts Willem Barents' track from Lapland to the north of Novaya Zemlya in search of a Northeast passage. During his voyage, his ship became trapped in the ice and he and his crew were forced to survive the harsh winter. The map features numerous decorative elements including strange creatures in the sea, sailing ships, and two large compass roses. Issued in part 3 of the German edition of the Petits Voayages. The verso contains an additional engraving of the Kola Peninsula and Kildin Island.

References: Garratt (TMC-9) p. 10.

Condition: B+

On watermarked paper with a few tiny tears and chips along the bottom sheet edge that have been repaired on recto with tissue.