Subject: North Carolina, Natives
Period: 1590 (circa)
Publication: Grands Voyages, Part I
Color: Black & White
Size:
8.4 x 5.9 inches
21.3 x 15 cm
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.
These two engravings depict prominent members within the Indian village of Secota. The first shows a female dressed in a deerskin skirt with head wreath, earrings, and tattooes on her arms and legs. The second depicts a local priest that is "wellstricken in years" and a "notable enchanter." His hair is cut short with a crest and is dressed in a short cloak. Each engraving is on a sheet of German text measuring approximately 9.4 x 13.4".
References:
Condition: B+
Nice impressions with minor toning and soiling. The first engraving has numerous edge chips along the left sheet edge that have been backed with old paper.