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 Johann Theodore's son-in-law, Matthaus Merian, in 1624.

Adapted from a larger engraving by Jan Juygen van Linschoten, this elaborate profile view shows the small Atlantic island of St. Helena with Linschoten's fleet of ships in the foreground. The island was an important re-fueling stop for ships in the South Atlantic providing fresh water, fruit, and meat to the early explorers. Two large strapwork cartouches feature the Portuguese coat-of-arms and the Latin and German titles. The view is further embellished with a very fine compass rose that orients the view with north in the lower left corner.

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Condition: B

A dark impression on a sheet with an eagle watermark. There is light toning, minor staining, and a couple archivally repaired edge tears in the bottom margin.