"Tidore", Bry, Johann Theodore de

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 lively view illustrates the Dutch attack on the Portuguese fort at Tidore in May 1605. The attack cleared the Portuguese presence in Maluku, but lead to further conflict with the Spanish. The engraving is from the Latin edition of Part VIII of the Petits Voyages (published in 1608), which chronicles five Dutch voyages to the East Indies in the first decade of the 17th century, as the Dutch East India Company was establishing itself in the region. Engraved by G. Keller, with the date 1606 next to his imprint.

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Condition: B

A dark impression on watermarked paper with some tears along the centerfold that have been archivally repaired, with a small area of loss in engraved image near top. There is extraneous creasing, scattered foxing, and light soiling.