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 stunning engraving was first published in 1619 as Plate XIV in Part XI of de Bry's Grands Voyages. It was republished in Johann Ludwig Gottfried's Newe Welt und Americanische Historien, a collection of voyages. Also known as Historia Antipodum, Gottfried's work is an abridgement of de Bry's voyages to America that incorporates much new material. Matthaus Merian, de Bry's son-in-law and publisher for Historia Antipodum, was granted access to de Bry's copper-engraved plates. The engraving is a fine view of Acapulco that depicts Dutch naval officer Joris van Spilbergen's eventful arrival to the city. Spilbergen arrived with Spanish prisoners that were eventually released in exchange for provisions. In the background, two small figures can be seen waving white flags and negotiating. In the foreground is a fantastically large fish that Spilbergen's crew caught. On a sheet of German text measuring 9.0 x 14.5".

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Condition: B+

A nice impression with a few light spots and light toning and soiling that is mostly confined to the blank margins.