"Descripcion de las Indias Ocidentalis", 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 scarce and important map of the Americas and the Pacific Ocean is based on the manuscript charts of Juan Lopez de Velasco. It depicts the Papal line of demarcation between the Portuguese and Spanish spheres of influence. Being Spanish in origin, the map places the Philippines and Moluccas some 40 degrees too far east. There are both Latin and German script notations in the South Pacific. Johann Theodore de Bry continued his father's Grand Voyages with his publication of the twelfth part, which was an edition of Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas' collection of voyages.

References: Burden #201; Garratt (TMC-9) #G-24.

Condition: B+

Sharp impression with some very faint foxing.