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 engraving is from Part III of De Bry's Grands Voyages, which described the land of Brazil based on the account of Hans von Staten, who was captured by the Tupinamba Indians during his voyages to Brazil in 1546-1555. This scene shows a great battle between the natives and the Portuguese along a river near Itamaraca. The entire engraving is filled with fascinating images of Native American life, including the roasting of fallen enemies. On a sheet of German text measuring 9.1 x 13.2".

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Condition: B+

A slightly weak impression with a bit of show-through of text on verso, minor soiling, and an expert paper repair to a chip at bottom right.