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 lot features four engravings from De Bry's works on Africa. On sheets of Latin text measuring approximately 8.0 x 11.9".

A. [The Siagga Tribe, who Live on the First Lake of the River Nile], from Petits Voyages, Part I, circa 1598 (7.1 x 5.4"). This engraving depicts the allegedly cannibalistic tribe living near the Nile. At right is a figure wielding a club and a spear, with a shield on one arm and a dagger on his hip. Across from him are two other figures dozing in the shadow of their shields. A battle rages in the background. Condition: A nice impression with light foxing and light soiling that is mostly confined to the margins. (B+)
B. [The Women of Monomotapa], from Petits Voyages, Part I, circa 1598 (7.1 x 5.4"). This striking engraving shows the women warriors of the Monomotapa, an African kingdom located in present-day Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The text compares them to the Amazons and notes that they disfigure their chests in order to be able to better hold and aim their bows. Condition: A crisp impression with a faint dampstain and hint of soiling that just enter the engraved image at top, and a small hole just outside the engraving at right. (B+)
C. [The Arrival of the Dutch at Gabam], from Petits Voyages, Part II, circa 1599 (6.8 x 5.7"). In this dramatic engraving set on the Gold Coast, the Dutch travel along the Gabam River and meet a king, Mani Gabam. Condition: A crisp impression on watermarked paper with minor soiling and a small wormhole, all confined to the margins. (A)
D. [The Way They Fish by Day], from Petits Voyages, Part VI, circa 1604 (7.4 x 5.5"). This engraving focuses on daytime fishing techniques in Africa. Condition: On a watermarked and slightly toned sheet. (A)

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See description above.