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 gruesome engraving was originally published in Part III of De Bry's Grands Voyages (1592), which focuses on Brazil with accounts by Hans Staden and Jean de Léry. The engraving purports to show the grilling techniques of the Tupinamba people of Brazil. It is one of several plates in a series depicting their cannibalistic practices, with various limbs cooking on the "Bucan" (grill) and the Tupinamba flagrantly feasting on human flesh. The description is drawn from Hans Staden's' account of the Tupinamba. Staden (ca. 1525 - ca. 1575) was captured by the Tupinamba and held for nine months, allegedly narrowly escaping being killed and eaten. His controversial account of cannibalism among the Tupinamba received a great deal of attention upon publication. This edition was published in a compendium of De Bry's engravings of the America put out by his heir, Johann Theodore de Bry. On a sheet of German text measuring 9.1 x 13.5".

References: Van Groesen (De Bry's America) p. 185.

Condition: B+

On a slightly toned sheet with marginal dampstaining and a lightly creased corner at top left.