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 set includes four engravings related to Madagascar from Part III of de Bry's Petits Voyages. On sheets of Latin text measuring 8.0 x 11.3".

A. Insula de S. Laurety. This uncommon map of Madagascar illustrates the earliest voyage of the Dutch to the East Indies in 1595. The map is oriented by two large compass roses with northeast to the top. The corners of the map are filled with four detailed insets of the important bays showing the navigational hazards and Insula de S. Maria. Place names are from the earliest Portuguese explorers. Condition: There is a light dampstain at top right and a portion of the map trimmed away at right by the bookbinder. The trimmed portion of the map has been replaced with a fragment from another contemporaneously printed example. (B)

B. Vera Duorum Indicorum in Insula S. Maria Oppidorum Delineatio. This is a view of the settlements of Spakenbourch (Spakenburg) and S. Angero (St. Angela) on Saint Marie island off the coast of Madagascar. This illustration was made during the first journey of Cornelis de Houtman when he made landfall here for water and food. Illustrations of coral are included, as the protected lagoon is endowed with significant coralline growth and is presently a major scuba diving destination. Condition: A nice impression with one tiny rust spot and some printer's ink residue in map image. There is a small, light dampstain in the blank margins at bottom right. (A)

C. Imago Incolarum Insulae Madagascar seu S. Laurentij. 3. This engraving depicts the natives of Madagascar attacking Dutchmen with long arrows called "Affagayas" or "Loffo." Two stripped Dutchmen flee the attack. Condition: A crisp impression. (A)

D. Quo Ritu Incolae S. Laurentii Insulae Choreas Agant. 4. This engraving shows the natives of Madagascar dancing. Condition: A sharp impression. (A)

References:

Condition:

See description above.