Island of Giants: The de Bry Engraving of Mauritius' Wonders, 1601

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About the Item

Original Antique engraving by Theodore De Bry from 'Pars Quarta Indiae Orientalis...,' 1601, with descriptive latin text below the image. Step back into the world of 1601 with this remarkable antique engraving by Theodore de Bry, a visual chronicle of the Dutch discovery of nature's giants on the island of Mauritius. This detailed copperplate illustration is part of de Bry's "Petits Voyages," a collection that documents the early European explorations of the Indian Ocean's enchanting landscapes and the exotic creatures they found there. This particular engraving is a historical gem, capturing the moment when the Dutch explorers first laid eyes on the colossal tortoises and the vibrant parrots of Mauritius, a testament to the island's unique and untouched biodiversity. It portrays the interaction between man and the ancient creatures of this Eden-like island, encapsulating the curiosity and amazement of the Age of Discovery. Owning this piece is like having a portal to the past, offering a glimpse of the sheer wonder that accompanied the age’s remarkable encounters. It’s perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of maritime history, natural history, and the art of engraving, promising to be a focal point of fascination and conversation wherever it is displayed. It hails from the second edition of Part IV of de Bry's "Petits Voyages," which focuses on the adventures and ordeals of European explorers in the East Indies. Each detailed etching in this series is not just a piece of art but also a historical document revealing how the New World's flora, fauna, and peoples were imagined in Europe. Acquiring this engraving is an opportunity to own a slice of the Renaissance, to connect with the age when the unknown corners of the globe were being charted, and to celebrate the enduring human spirit of discovery. It is an investment in art, history, and the timeless allure of the untamed and the undiscovered. 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 good, considering its age of over 400 years. Light brownish toning and some soiling due to handling. One small (burn?) spot in the latin text. Please study this image carefully.
Seller Location:
Langweer, NL
Reference Number:
Seller: BG-13596-41stDibs: LU3054337754872

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