Subject: Florida, Natives
Period: 1591 (circa)
Publication: Grands Voyages, Part II
Color: Black & White
Size:
8.3 x 6 inches
21.1 x 15.2 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.
This engraving shows the method the Florida natives used to preserve fish and game for the winter. The food is suspended on a grate above a fire and dried with smoke. The plate was erroneously printed upside down on this example. On a full sheet of German text measuring 9.5 x 13.6".
References:
Condition: B+
There are a few small wormholes in the engraved image and some light soiling that is mostly confined to the margins.