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 is a particularly interesting version of Ortelius's map of Mexico, the prototype map of the region. It covers the Pacific coast from present-day Acapulco to about Mazatlan and inland to Mexico City, which is situated on a large lake. The map is densely engraved with place names and shows the mining districts northwest of Mexico City. A feast for the eyes, the map is elaborately decorated with engravings of Native Americans, bison, canoes, ships, and two fabulous cartouches.

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Condition: C+

On a lightly toned sheet with a fleur-de-lis watermark. The sheet has been trimmed on all sides, with loss of about 1 cm at top and right, and 1/2 cm at left and bottom. Two small chips at right have been repaired with old paper, and there are separations along the centerfold that have been repaired with archival materials on recto and verso, with a couple small areas of image loss.