Catalog Archive
Auction 196, Lot 728

"[Noah's Ark]", Bry, Theodore de

Subject: Prints - Religion

Period: 1591 (circa)

Publication: Grands Voyages, Vol. II

Color: Hand Color

Size:
8.4 x 6.1 inches
21.3 x 15.5 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

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 accompanies the foreword in de Bry's classic volume on Florida volume and depicts Noah's Ark landing in the New World. It shows animals leaving the ark after the flood, while Noah offers animal sacrifice on an altar. Under the rainbow, men in colonial dress are shown constructing a new settlement. The German text below the map paints indigenous Floridians as heathens and descendants of Ham. On a sheet of German text measuring 9.1 x 12.6".

References:

Condition: B+

An edge tear that enters 0.5" into engraved image at top left has been repaired with archival materials. There is marginal soiling and an archivally repaired chip in the bottom left blank margin.

Estimate: $200 - $230

Sold for: $150

Closed on 2/7/2024

Archived