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 is Plate VIII from Part II of de Bry's Grands Voyages, which details the French adventures in Florida between 1562-65. The scene depicts Indigenous Floridians gathered around a stone column bearing the arms of the King of France. The column had been erected by the French during their first voyage to mark the southern boundary of their colonial claim in North America. The native chief (Atore) is shown here exhibiting the decorated French column to Laudonnière in 1564 during his second voyage to South Carolina and Florida. The French attempts at colonization were thwarted by the Spanish who attacked the nearby Fort Caroline and massacred the colonists, with only Laudonnière and an artist named Jacques Le Moyne escaping. The text below the view was written by Laudonnière and the illustrations were copied by De Bry from water colors by Le Moyne. Published in the Latin edition of 1609 or 1634. On a sheet of Latin text measuring 9.4 x 13.6".

References: Church #146.

Condition: A

A nice impression on a clean sheet.