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 beautifully engraved map of the Americas is one of the most decorative of late 16th century maps and was to become a major influence in the elaborate style of the Dutch period. The map is largely derived from the Plancius world map of 1594 with an improved form of the Solomon Islands. Newfoundland is depicted as a single island based on the information of Cornelis Claesz and Lasso. Most significantly, this is the first Western Hemisphere map to incorporate the White - Le Moyne cartography in Virginia. The massive southern continent is named Magellanica. The map is finely decorated with four important explorers flanking the map - Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, Ferdinand Magellan and Francisco Pizarro - and a seascape background filled with sailing ships.

References: Burden #91.

Condition: B+

Professionally and skillfully restored and backed with fine Japanese tissue, reinforcing centerfold. There are a couple of tiny abrasions along the centerfold with seamless facsimile of a couple of letters in the notation under the North Pole and in the imprint below the map. Two 1/2" tears at top and bottom, as well as a chip in the right blank margin have all been professionally repaired.