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 scarce engraving shows an idealized view of Sir Francis Drake's landing in New Albion, or present-day California. According to the text, the Indigenous people brought gifts to the Englishmen and the chief arrived with 12,000 men. Drake ordered his men to prepare for battle, but the chief signaled peace, made a speech, and crowned Drake. The text also states the chief offered his kingdom to Drake. At right in the engraving is an Indigenous woman scratching her face, apparently out of joy at the sight of the English. From the first German edition, which is rarer than the Latin edition. On a sheet of German text measuring 9.3 x 13.0".

References: Church #194; Van Groesen (De Bry's America) p. 311.

Condition: A

A nice impression on a sheet with a fleur-de-lis watermark. There are light stains in the margins, well away from engraved image.