Catalog Archive
Auction 184, Lot 454

"[The True Picture of a Man of the Neighbouring Nation to the Picts]", Bry, Theodore de

Subject: Britain, Pict

Period: 1590 (circa)

Publication: Grand Voyages, Part I

Color: Black & White

Size:
6.3 x 8.8 inches
16 x 22.4 cm
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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 stunning engraving depicts a male in "another neighbouring nation to the Picts, whose inhabitants dressed in a kind of cassock or cloth jerkin with the rest of the body naked" (text on an opposing page, not present). The figure is dressed very simply and armed with sword and spear.

References:

Condition: B+

On a sheet with a fleur-de-lis watermark. There are small wormholes and a short wormtrack in the engraved image and light soiling in the margins.

Estimate: $110 - $140

Sold for: $90

Closed on 9/15/2021

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