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 scene depicts the Portuguese ship St. Iago sinking after hitting a coral reef in route to Goa, India. Despite warnings from the ship's crew, the captain ordered full sail after successfully passing the Cape of Good Hope and the strait between Mozambique and Madagascar. Of the 500 on the ship, only 90 would survive the wreck. On a sheet of German text measuring 7.6 x 11.5".

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Condition: A

A crisp impression on a mostly clean sheet.