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 terrific engraving is Plate XXXVI from Part II of de Bry's Grands Voyages, which details the French adventures in Florida between 1562-65. It illustrates the varieties of exercise and recreation among the Indigenous young men of Florida. In the background are two men running on a path and engaged in a footrace, while the foreground depicts archery practice and a game similar to basketball with the object of landing a ball in the basket on top of a tall pole. From the first German edition, published in 1591. On a sheet of German text measuring 9.3 x 12.8".

References: Church #179; Van Groesen (De Bry's America) p. 139-141.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on a sheet with a fleur-de-lis watermark. There is light soiling that is mostly confined to the margins except for the right edge of the engraving. The right margin is trimmed close to neatline, as issued, and two small chips in the sheet corners have been archivally repaired.