"[A Description of the Royal Town of Kandy]", 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 fascinating engraving depicts the ancient city of Kandy, where Joris van Spilbergen visited in 1602 in the hopes of securing the cinnamon trade in Sri Lanka for the Dutch. At far right (#1) is Admiral Spilbergen being carried in a sedan chair, and, just to the left of the river (#3), Spilbergen is received by the king, Vimala Dharma Suriya. The king's palace (#8) is located within the walled city. In the foreground are four natives: a colonel (#14), a citizen and his wife (#15 & #16), and a slave (#17). Published in Part VII of De Bry's Petits Voyages, covering voyages to the East Indies. Blank verso.

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Condition: B

Issued folding, now flat, on a faintly toned sheet with a fleur-de-lis watermark that has been trimmed to the border. There are two small holes only visible when held to light.