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.

A. [The Arrival of the French in Florida in 1562] Beschreibung dess Vorgeburgs Floride..., (8.3 x 5.6"). The scene depicts the "French Promontory" coast of Florida, the site of the first landing of French explorers in Florida. Laudonniere's two ships are anchored with two boats disembarking to the shore. A group of Native Americans, with their king seated on a pile of laurel and palm branches, is preparing to trade with the explorers. On a full sheet of German text measuring 9.4 x 13." Condition: A couple of spots of foxing, a light dampstain that barely enters the image at right, and some chips along the edges of the sheet.

B. [The French Reach Port Royal] Wie die Franzosen an das Konigliche Gestade/ Also Genannt/ Kommen Senn, (8.7 x 6.1"). This engraving shows the French arriving at Port Royal at the mouth of the St. John's River. The active scene presents a boat sailing up the river, natives making fire and hunting a deer, and several healthy crops which appear to be as large as men. On a full sheet of German text measuring 9.1 x 12.4". Condition: A lightly toned sheet with a fleur-de-lis watermark, light soiling, and a couple of old paper repairs on recto. Trimmed to the neatline at right by the bookbinder.

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Condition: B+

See description above.