"[The French Erect a Column with the Royal Coat of Arms] Wie der Franzosen Oberster eine Seul...", 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 shows the small island of Libourne (marked with the letter "F"), on which the French erected a column with the royal coat of arms. The column marked the northern boundary of the territory claimed for the King of France. An adjacent island is named Cedar Island. The exact location of these islands is unknown, but the islands are believed to be between Port Royal, Florida and Beaufort, South Carolina. The engraving also shows several Native American huts, deer, and interesting vegetation. On a full sheet of German text measuring 9.4 x 12.4".

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Condition: B+

Light soiling with two large chips at bottom that have been professionally repaired, with loss of nearly half the text below the engraving.