"[Sea Battle]", Bry, Theodore de

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.

This interesting engraving is from the illustrations accompanying the adventures of Hans Staten. In 1547 he set sail aboard a ship, under Captain Pintado’s command, bound for Brazil. Pintado’s ship landed at Cape de Gel (Asilah) on the north coast of Africa. There they attacked and captured a cargo ship, whose crew escaped in small boats. The lively scene shows the sea battle with the walled city in the background. German text above and below.

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Condition: A

Tissue repair of bottom corner, not affecting text or image.