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 dramatic engraving depicts Francisco Pizarro making his case to the royal court of the riches to be found in Peru. In the background is a fantastic scene of his crew loading their Peruvian plunder onto ships, as if to illustrate his argument. On July 26, 1529, Charles V gave the green light to Pizarro to return to Peru for the third time and conquer the land. On a sheet of Latin text measuring 9.3 x 13.3".

References:

Condition: A

A nice impression with a minor spot in the engraved image and marginal toning.