"Columbus Primus Inventor Indiae Occidentalis", 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 engraving depicts one of the most famous and celebrated explorers of the New World, Christopher Columbus, aboard his ship surrounded by fascinating mer-people, sea creatures, and mythological gods. On a sheet of Latin text measuring 9.3 x 13.3".

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Condition: B+

A nice impression with marginal soiling. There are two short tears in the image at bottom left and a longer tear in the left blank margin that have all been closed with archival tape on verso.