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 includes the title pages for the Latin editions of Parts II and III of de Bry's Petits Voyages. Part II covers Jan Juygen van Linschoten's voyages to the East (1583-92). The title page shows various figures from the East Indies and Africa set in an elaborate architectural structure. At top figures kneel in reverence before a three-headed deity. Part III chronicles the voyages of Linschoten, Cornelis de Houtman, and Gerit de Veer. Linschoten and De Houtman's pioneering voyage to the East Indies from 1595-97 was instrumental in opening the spice trade to the Dutch. Gerit de Veer sailed in search of a northeast passage from 1594-96. The title page is set on an architectural structure, with East Indies natives flanking the title. At top are two archers praying before two fires. A vignette of a shipwreck on an iceberg appears at bottom.

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Condition: B+

Both are fine impressions with margins extended with archival materials. Part II has an eagle watermark, a couple minor printer's creases, and printer's ink residue. Part III has the watermark of interlocking "Cs," light scattered foxing, and a few small chips out of the engraved image at left.