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 fascinating engraving is Plate IX from Part V of de Bry's Grands Voyages. It illustrates an episode between the French and Spanish off the coast of Venezuela at the island of Cubagua. When the Spanish observed a French privateer poaching in the pearl fisheries they convinced the natives that the French were hostile and that they should prevent them from coming ashore. The natives drove the French vessel away with poisonous arrows. According to the text, no French ship ever tried to land on Cubagua after this encounter. Without interference from the French, the Spanish held their monopoly on the pearl banks, allowing them to fish the area until it was depleted. From the first German edition of Part V, published in 1595. On a sheet of German text measuring 9.4 x 13.4".

References: Church #186; Van Groesen (De Bry's America) p. 240.

Condition: A

A sharp impression on watermarked paper with faint soiling in the margins.