"Die Capitein Franciscus Drake die Statt Insel S. Jacob…", Bry, 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 prospect view illustrates Francis Drake's attack on Santiago (S. Jacob), the Portuguese slave trading port in the Cape Verde Islands. During Drake's circumnavigation in 1585, his fleet anchored off Ribeira Grande (now Cidade Velha). An army of 1,000 men, under the command of Lt. General Carleill, landed up the coast and attacked the city from the rear, while Drake bombarded the garrison from the harbor.

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Condition: A