Subject: Recife, Brazil
Period: 1592 (circa)
Publication: Grands Voyages, Part III
Color: Black & White
Size:
7.7 x 6.3 inches
19.6 x 16 cm
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 depicts Von Stanten's ships attacking a French ship in Buttugaris harbor (near Recife). On a full sheet of German text measuring 9.0 x 13.0".
References:
Condition: B+
A nice impression on a slightly toned sheet with small stains at bottom of engraved image, which have caused a few tiny tears that have been closed on verso with archival tape. Remnants of non-archival hinge tape in top margin on verso.