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 scarce and intricately engraved sheet depicts Amerigo Vespucci encountering giants in Curacao in 1499, during his expedition with Alonso de Ojeda. The men came across giant women and tried to invite them back to their ships. Suddenly, giant men appeared and chased the explorers away. In the background, Vespucci and the rest of the crew retreat to their ship. This edition was published in a compendium of De Bry's engravings of the America put out by his heir, Johann Theodore de Bry. Given that it was published in 1617, this example actually predates the plate's appearance as Plate VI in Part X of de Bry's Grands Voyages in 1618. On a sheet of German text measuring 9.1 x 13.3".

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Condition: B+

A crisp impression on a lightly soiled sheet.