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.

Adapted from Linschoten's map, this bird's-eye view of Melinde harbor in Mozambique shows the fortifications with numerous ships at anchor in the protected harbor. The map is finely engraved and decorated with a large compass rose, Portuguese coat of arms, and title cartouche. On this example, the plate is blank where the Latin title (Insulae et Arcis Mocambique Descriptio...) typically appears. North is oriented to the right.

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Condition: B+

A sharp impression on a sheet with an eagle watermark. There is light toning and a few light spots in engraved image. There are a few short edge tears in the blank margins.