"Auff was Weise sie ihre Erstgeborne dem Konig Opffern", 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 fascinating engraving is from the remarkable series of publications known as the Grands Voyages. This series recounted the voyages of discovery to the Americas, and provided many Europeans with their first view of the New World. This engraving was published in Volume II, which recounted the French attempts at settlement in Florida, including the explorations of Laudonniere, Ribault, and Le Moyne. The engraving depicts a Native American ceremony in which the firstborn son is offered to the king for sacrifice. Women dance around the baby, while the mother weeps before the tree trunk where the sacrifice will take place. On a full sheet of German text measuring 9.1 x 13".

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Condition: B+

Light toning with marginal soiling and a small chip at bottom right, far from image.