Catalog Archive
Auction 187, Lot 326

"[Sir Walter Raleigh in Trinidad] ", Bry, Theodore de

Subject: Trinidad

Period: 1599 (circa)

Publication: Grands Voyages, Part VIII

Color: Black & White

Size:
6.9 x 5.4 inches
17.5 x 13.7 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 striking engraving depicts Sir Walter Raleigh's adventures in Trinidad. On March 22, 1595, he arrived on the island, which was then under Spanish rule. After gaining the trust of the Spanish, he took the city of Saint Joseph at night and captured Antonio de Berrio, the Spanish colonial governor. Raleigh then used the city as a base of operations as he searched for El Dorado. On a sheet of German text measuring 8.1 x 13.1".

References:

Condition: A

A nice impression with a minor spot in the engraved image and small wormholes in the blank margins.

Estimate: $140 - $170

Sold for: $100

Closed on 4/27/2022

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