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Original (late 1500s) copperplate engraving by Theodor de Bry (after Girolamo Benzoni) entitled [x=#

Currency:USD Category:Artifacts / Non-wreck Artifacts Start Price:325.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 600.00 USD
Original (late 1500s) copperplate engraving by Theodor de Bry (after Girolamo Benzoni) entitled [x=#
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Original (late 1500s) copperplate engraving by Theodor de Bry (after Girolamo Benzoni) entitled “Indivolentes experiri immortalitatem Hispanorum. Salsedum Hispanum in mari suffocant". 14" x 9". Copperplate engraving from the celebrated De Bry Grand Voyages series illustrating Benzoni’s account of indigenous people testing the supposed immortality of the Spaniards by drowning one of them in the sea. The dramatic composition shows several natives forcing a Spaniard underwater while others observe from the shore, with village structures and landscape in the background. Latin title above, explanatory text below beginning with a large decorative initial Plate V at upper right, with signature marks B2 below. The scene took place in Puerto Rico during the conquest of Boriquen.

Printed in the Theodor de Bry workshop in Frankfurt for the Latin edition of Benzoni’s Historia del Mondo Nuovo in the famous America series, one of the most influential illustrated publications on the early encounters between Europeans and the peoples of the New World.

Clear impression with moderate toning, scattered spotting and staining including a stain visible on the verso affecting the margin area, minor edge wear. Overall good for issue.

From the classic De Bry illustrated chronicles of the early Spanish presence in the Americas, among the most desirable engraved visual records of the New World produced during the late 16th century, rare in this condition.