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.

This unusual engraving is Plate XV from a Latin edition of Part VIII of de Bry's Grands Voyages. It depicts a banquet thrown by the emperor of Guyana wherein all attendees are covered in white balm and dusted with gold. Accounts of the golden chief birthed the legend of El Dorado. In the background, two caciques are served drinks in a hammock. The plate appeared in a section on Sir Walter Raleigh's exploits in the region. On a sheet of Latin text measuring 8.9 x 11.8".

References: cf. Church #163; Van Groesen (De Bry's America) p. 324.

Condition: B+

There is light dampstaining and soiling along the sheet's edges that just barely enters engraved image at right. In the margins, a small chip at top left and a short wormtrack at bottom right have been archivally repaired.