"[World] Historische Beschreibung/ der Wunderbarlichen Reyse/ Welche von Einem Hollander. Willhelm Schouten Genandt...", 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 is De Bry's version of Willem Schouten's map showing his voyage around the world in 1615-17. This expedition discovered Le Maire Strait and a new route around South America to the Pacific and the important Spice Islands. The simple double hemisphere depicts the vessel's tracks with the continents shown in outline only. Above the map are two, head-and-shoulder, portraits of Ferdinand Magellan and Willem Schouten, each flanked by angels bearing laurel wreaths. Outside this central scene are the portraits of four other circumnavigators: Francis Drake, Thomas Cavendish, Oliver van Noort and George van Spilbergen. The map is on a full sheet of German text (8.8 x 12.5") and is from the German-text edition of De Bry's America.

References: Shirley #301.

Condition: B+

A dark impression on a lightly toned sheet with minor soiling, much of it confined to the margins.