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 lot of 3 fascinating engravings comes from the Latin edition of the fifth part of the Grand Voyages. On sheets of Latin text measuring 9.1 x 13.6".

A. Diego Gottierrez Praefectus Hispanus Caciquos seu Regulos Suere... This scene shows Diego Gutierrez, the governor of Costa Rica, dining with native caciques. Puzzled by the chicken on their plate, the caciques passed the meat to their servants on the floor. One of the servants can be seen feeding the chicken to a dog.

B. Nicaragensium in suis Saltationibus Ritus. This striking engraving depicts the natives of Nicaragua dancing. Pipers and drummers play music in the background while the dancers are shown in a variety of dynamic poses.

C. Qua Ratione Indi in Bellum Progrediantur. This scene shows two huge armies engaged in battle near Cartagena. The Caribs (Arawaks) were intense fighters who brought poisonous arrows and spears into battle as well as an idol of their war god Chiappam. According to this account, they engaged in cannibalism and smeared themselves with the blood of their enemies.

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Condition: B+

Fine impressions on sheets with numerous small chips along the edges and marginal soiling and damp staining. The first sheet has some light soiling in the engraved image. The second and third sheets have a couple small light damp stains in the image.