"[Lot of 4 - Flora of the East Indies and Scenes of Sumatra]", 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.

On sheets measuring approximately 8.0 x 12.3".

A. [An Illustration of Lancuas, Fagaras, Lacca, and Cuci Fructa] XVIII. De Lancuas, Fagaras, Lacca et Cucifructa, from Petits Voyages, Part IV, circa 1604, hand color. This fascinating engraving depicts fruits and spices common to the East Indies, including lengkuas (part of the ginger family), lac resin, the shelled fruits of the native Zanthoxylum, and cuci fructa. In the background, there are natives observing various local trees. On a sheet of Latin text. Condition: A nice impression with a bit of dampstaining along the sheet's right edge, well away from engraved image. (A)

B. [Other Plants, Including the Canior, Dringuo, Pucho and Chiabe] XX. Exoticorum Quorundam Aromatum Effigiatio, ut Canior, Diringuo, Pucho & Chiabe, from Petits Voyages, Part IV, circa 1604, hand color. The foreground of this attractive engraving is filled with native plants, roots, and fruits, including Java long pepper, sweet flag, turmeric, and more. Natives appear in the landscape in the background. On a sheet of Latin text. Condition: A crisp impression with minor soiling in the margins. (A)

C. [How the People of Nera Received the Dutch] VII. A Nerae Incolis Quomodo Hollandi Excepti Sint, from Petits Voyages, Part V, circa 1601, black & white. This dramatic engraving depicts the reception the natives offered Jan Huyghen van Linschoten's men as they arrived at Nias, a small island off the western coast of Sumatra. The Latin text identifies the various figures involved, including the ruler, the Dutch vice-admiral and his interpreter, and Dutchmen playing trumpets for the amusement of the natives. Condition: A nice impression on a moderately toned sheet. (B)

D. [The Country-Folk of the Island of Sumatra] XIV. Wie das Landvolck in der Insel Sumatra Beschaffen, from Petits Voyages, Part III, circa 1599, black & white. This striking engraving shows the chief of the Sumatran village of Dampin in the shade of a parasol. He is surrounded by a procession of guards and women. On a sheet of German text. Condition: A fine impression on watermarked paper with light spots and soiling in the margins. (A)

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Condition:

See description above.