Items Similar to Rare Creatures of the East: A 1601 de Bry Copper Engraving from the Indies
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9
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
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,452 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllThe Melancholy Tree of the East: A 1601 de Bry Engraving from 'Indiae Orientalis
Located in Langweer, NL
This engraving from Theodore de Bry's "Indiae Orientalis" showcases a serene yet intriguing scene titled "EFFIGIES ILLIUS ARBORIS, QUAM TRISTEM VOCANT,...
Category
Antique Early 17th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$510 Sale Price
20% Off
The Whale Harvest of St. Mary's Island - Copper Engraving by de Bry, 1601
Located in Langweer, NL
Original Antique engraving by Theodore De Bry from 'Pars Quarta Indiae Orientalis...,' 1601, with descriptive latin text below the image.
This 1601 e...
Category
Antique Early 17th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$368 Sale Price
40% Off
The Cockfight of Java: A 1601 de Bry Engraving of Cultural Pastimes
Located in Langweer, NL
Original Antique engraving by Theodore De Bry from 'Pars Quarta Indiae Orientalis...,' 1601, with descriptive Latin text below the image.
This 1601 e...
Category
Antique Early 17th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$510 Sale Price
20% Off
Original Copper Engraving of Various Celebrated Animals in India by De Bry, 1601
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "Exotic Bestiary: A 1601 de Bry Engraving of India’s Majestic Fauna"
This captivating 1601 copper engraving by Theodore de Bry from his "Indiae...
Category
Antique Early 17th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$602 Sale Price
20% Off
Botanical Marvels of India: Bamboo and Durian in De Bry's 1601 Copper Engraving
Located in Langweer, NL
This 1601 engraving by Theodore de Bry, a master engraver and publisher of the late Renaissance period, depicts the flora of India with a remarkable degree of detail and artistry. The print is titled "DE ALGA SEV ARVNDINE INDICA, BAMBVS DICTA, ITEM DE arbore radicosa: & tandem de arbore Duryeons," which translates to "About the Seaweed or Reed of India, called Bamboo, also about the root tree: and finally about the Duryeons tree."
In the illustration, we see a lush depiction of a bamboo grove, with its characteristic tall and slender form, showcasing the plant's extensive root system and dense foliage. To the left, there is a tree bearing large, round fruits, likely the durian, labeled here as "Duryeons." The durian is known for its distinctive size, unique aroma, and spiky husk. The image captures both the exotic appeal and the utilitarian value of these plants, which were of great interest to European audiences unfamiliar with such tropical vegetation.
The visual composition conveys the tropical abundance and biodiversity of the Indian subcontinent. De Bry's engravings like this were highly sought after in Europe for their exotic subject matter and served to educate and fascinate the European public about the natural wonders of the world beyond their borders. As a historical document, this engraving provides insight into the botanical knowledge and the artistic conventions of the period, making it a valuable piece for both its historical significance and its aesthetic beauty.
De Bry's work is renowned for its attention to detail, and this print is a testament to his ability to capture the essence of exotic lands and their natural abundance. His engravings were among the first visual records to reach Europe from the New World and the East, fueling curiosity and fascination with distant lands. This particular piece is not only a work of art but also a historical document, offering insight into the botanical wealth of India as seen through the eyes of early modern Europeans...
Category
Antique Early 17th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$510 Sale Price
20% Off
The de Bry Engraving of Maritime Marvels of Dutch Seafarers at Cochin, 1601
Located in Langweer, NL
Engraving by Theodore De Bry from 'Pars Quarta Indiae Orientalis...,' 1601, with descriptive latin text below the image.
This antique engraving of ov...
Category
Antique Early 17th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
$454 Sale Price
20% Off
You May Also Like
Engraving on Copper Print from the Volume Navigazione Nautical Subject 1790
Located in Milan, IT
Print by engraving on copper plate Tav III TIX fig. 17-22 from the volume Navigazione; with frame 28 x 33. Some calculations are depicted. Very good condition.
Shipping is insured by...
Category
Antique 1790s Italian Nautical Objects
Materials
Paper
Old Nautical Print by Engraving on Copper Plate from the Panckoucke Encyclopédie
Located in Milan, IT
Print by engraving on copper plate from the Panckoucke Encyclopédie méthodique, end of the 18th century, volume Marine Planches (more than 1,500 figures dealing with all subjects on the marina: planes, construction, carpentry, tree trunks, armaments of maneuvers, ropes, sails, artillery, ship maneuvers and combat tactics). This is the plate n. 149, page. 166 fig. 1209-1212; with frame cm 57.8 x 31.8. The prospect of the side of a ship is depicted. The Print has the "Benard direxit...
Category
Antique 1790s French Prints
Materials
Paper
French Engraving of an Eagle from the Description de l'Egypte, J. Ces. Savigny
By C. de Savigny
Located in Downingtown, PA
French Engraving of the Eastern Imperial Eagle from the Description de l'Egypte.
LARGE,
J. Ces. Savigny,
1809-1813.
The large stipple engravin...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Prints
Materials
Paper
A.A De Correggio Engraving of the Virgin and the Child
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Beautiful engraving representing "The Virgin and Child with Saints Jerome and Maire-Madeliane", after an oil on canvas by Antonio Allegri of Correggio (1489-1534), master of the renaissance, engraved by Robert Strange...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Prints
Materials
Paper
The Korean Embassy Wood Engraving from The Wasp
Located in San Francisco, CA
An interesting depiction of the Korean Embassy as published in The Wasp, a weekly San Francisco newspaper started in 1876 by Francis Korbel. The Wasp had a very political and anti-im...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Prints
Materials
Paper
Pair of Steel Engraving from the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of steel engraving from the 19th century “Le Depart Du Courier” and " L’Arrive du Courrier” dedicated to Madame la Marquise de Montesquieu.
Category
Antique 19th Century French Romantic Prints
Materials
Paper
