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 is Plate XII from the first Latin edition of Part V of de Bry's Grands Voyages. The scene depicts a group of merchants, including Girolamo Benzoni, resting and eating at an Indian village. The group had departed Achla (near the Gulf of Uraba) en route to Panama, but had run out of food along the way. From a mountaintop, they discovered smoke coming from this village and descended upon it at night. When the natives heard them nearby, they screamed "Guacci, Guacci" mistaking the group for four-legged beasts that roam the night looking for prey. Once the merchants ensured the tribe's safety, "they obtained bread, fish, meat and wild boars to cover the rest of their journey." On a sheet of Latin text measuring 9.2 x 13.4".

References: Church #156; Van Groesen (De Bry's America) p. 243.

Condition: A

A crisp impression with one faint spot along the left border.