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Rare Creatures of the East: A 1601 de Bry Copper Engraving from the Indies

About the Item

Title: "Rare Creatures of the East: A 1601 de Bry Engraving from the Indies" Description: This original 1601 engraving from Theodore de Bry's collection presents a fascinating array of exotic animals found in the East Indies, as perceived by European explorers of the time. The scene is rich with life, featuring a variety of creatures that captivated the imagination of the old world. Central to the engraving is a bird that locals called "Eeme," possibly an emu or another large flightless bird, set against a backdrop of sailing ships that allude to the era of discovery. In the foreground, a robust bovine creature grazes peacefully, while a lounging feline predator rests nearby, suggesting the diverse ecosystems encountered by travelers. A reptilian creature, likely a crocodile, basks in the foreground, and a salamander, which is noted for being frequently seen in Madagascar, is also depicted, hinting at the biodiverse richness of the region. The text provided appears to be in Latin, from a work that likely describes the natural history or zoology of a particular region, possibly India. Here is the English translation: "In India, especially on the island of Java, there are some birds that are rare and admirable, which the inhabitants call Eeme. These are of the size of a camel, lacking a tongue, and have small wings. The robustness of their body is in the legs, which are long and strong. Whatever they eat, they consume whole, whether it be apples or other fruits. This same thing happens during the day, when they return what they consumed, undigested. Adjacent to these, there are also wild oxen; as well as Chameleons, and Salamanders, which are frequently found in Madagascar." The engraving is meticulously detailed, offering a window into the European explorers' first encounters with the natural world of the East Indies. De Bry's work was instrumental in shaping the European understanding of foreign wildlife, and this piece is a testament to the allure and mystery that these distant lands held for the European audience of the 17th century. It is not only a remarkable piece of historical art but also an enduring record of the natural world as it was envisioned during the Age of Exploration. As an original piece from the first edition of Part VII of "Indiae Orientalis," this work is a valuable collector's item, not only for its historical significance but also for its aesthetic beauty and the window it opens onto the perceptions and curiosities of a bygone era. It stands as a testament to the wonder and allure that the flora and fauna of India held for the European mind, and it would serve as a prestigious and conversation-evoking piece for any collection. This plate is part of the "Petit Voyages" or "Small Voyages," a series that complemented the "Grands Voyages" or "Great Voyages." Theodore de Bry, a noted engraver and publisher from Liège, Belgium, began these works to illustrate the New World and the Far East based on accounts and drawings from explorers. His works grew to comprise 30 volumes, with later editions published by his children after his death. This particular engraving is a testament to the enduring allure of the unknown that captivated the minds of Europeans during the Age of Exploration. This piece forms part of a larger corpus of works produced under the supervision of the de Bry family, a lineage of renowned engravers and publishers based in Frankfurt. Initiated by Theodore de Bry in 1590, this series aimed to visually document the epoch of European global exploration and the encounters with the natural world that ensued. The engraving is a page from Part IV of de Bry's "Petits Voyages," which narrates significant expeditions to the East Indies, including those led by Jan Juygen van Linschoten and Cornelis de Houtman between 1595-97, as well as the journey by Jacob van Neck and Wybrandt van Warwijck in 1598-99. These works were not merely artistic endeavors but also ethnographic records, showcasing indigenous peoples, fauna, flora, and the diverse riches of lands like India, Madagascar, and the East Indies. Though Theodore de Bry began this ambitious project, it was continued posthumously by his family and later completed by his son-in-law, Matthaus Merian, in 1644. This particular engraving, rich in detail and drama, offers a window into the perilous and wondrous experiences of early explorers, and the ways in which these moments were captured and communicated to a European audience hungry for knowledge of the wider world.

Dimensions:

Height: 11.82 in (30 cm)Width: 7.88 in (20 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)

Materials and Techniques:

Paper,Engraved

Period:

Early 17th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1601

Condition:

The condition of the print is very good, considering its age of over 400 years. Light brownish toning and some soiling due to handling, mainly around the edges. Please study this image carefully.

Seller Location:

Langweer, NL

Reference Number:

Seller: BG-13596-91stDibs: LU3054337755192

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Rare Creatures of the East: A 1601 de Bry Copper Engraving from the Indies

About the Item

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