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 attractive title page is from the first German edition of Volume II of the Grands Voyages. The series recounted the voyages of discovery to the Americas, and provided many Europeans with their first view of the New World. Volume II recounted the French attempts at settlement in Florida, including the explorations of Laudonniere, Ribault, and Le Moyne. This is the second title page, appearing before the plates, with the same engraved border design as the main title page. The design depicts an architectural facade featuring Timucuan Indians, as drawn by Jacques le Moyne.

References: Church #179.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on a sheet with a fleur-de-lis watermark. A short edge tear that enters into the engraved image at bottom has been closed with archival tape on verso, as have the tiny associated tears radiating from a small hole at bottom right. There is light soiling that is mostly confined to the blank margins and a tiny wormhole near the border at left.