"Insula de S. Laurety", 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 uncommon map of Madagascar illustrates the earliest voyage of the Dutch to the East Indies in 1595. The map is oriented by two large compass roses with northeast to the top. The corners of the map are filled with four detailed insets of the important bays showing the navigational hazards and Insula de S. Maria. Place names are from the earliest Portuguese explorers. On a full sheet of German text (9.1 x 11.8").

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Condition: B+

A dark impression on a mostly clean sheet. The side borders have been trimmed slightly and new margins have been added to better accommodate framing.