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 important map of the Caribbean is based on the manuscript charts of Juan Lopez de Velasco (c. 1575-80). It provides an excellent view of the Spanish presence in Florida, the West Indies and northern South America. The distinctive narrow Florida peninsula includes a fairly accurate delineation of the R. de S. Matheo (St. Johns River) with a large lake at its headwaters. There are several place names, including Santagustin (St. Augustine) and Pta del Canaveral. Johann Theodore de Bry continued his father's Grand Voyages with his publication of the twelfth part, which was an edition of Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas' collection of voyages.

References: Burden #203; Garratt (TMC-9) #G-26.

Condition: A

A nice impression on a bright sheet with light soiling along the edges of the sheet.