Pair of De Bry Engravings of Birds, Fish & Sea Plants en Route to India, c.1598
€ 760
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1598
Sheet size
30.5 × 20 cm (12.0 × 7.9 in)
Reference
BG-13596-41, -42
Condition
Very good. Sharp impressions with full margins and original text below each image. Some light toning and scattered foxing consistent with age. Traces of old binding on left margin, otherwise clean and well-preserved.
About this sheet
Pair of De Bry Engravings of Birds, Fish, and Sea Plants Observed en Route to India, c.1598
A fascinating pair of original copper engravings from Theodor de Bry’s Petits Voyages (Frankfurt am Main, circa 1598–1601), each accompanied by its complete Latin letterpress text. These early depictions of marine and avian life blend careful observation with imaginative exaggeration, reflecting the curiosity and wonder of the early age of exploration.
1. Avium Quarundam, ut et Piscivm Nonnullorum, Navibus in Indiam Currentibus Nonnullibi Occurrentium, Delineatio Depicts an ocean scene crowded with ships, fish, and seabirds observed during voyages to India. Flying fish leap from the waves while schools of marine creatures move alongside Dutch vessels. The print captures both the spectacle of nature and the spirit of maritime discovery that characterized De Bry’s series.
2. De Herbis Quibusdam et Avibus Aliis in Indiam Navigantibus Se Fere Offerre Solitis An engaging composition showing ships sailing amid floating sea plants, labeled “Trombas” and “Sargasso,” and large seabirds circling above. The text describes these marine plants and birds as familiar companions of ships sailing toward India, serving as natural signs of nearing land.
These engravings exemplify De Bry’s ability to combine scientific curiosity with visual elegance, serving both as artistic works and as some of the earliest printed depictions of natural phenomena encountered during long oceanic voyages.
Condition: Very good. Sharp impressions with full margins and original text below each image. Some light toning and scattered foxing consistent with age. Traces of old binding on left margin, otherwise clean and well-preserved.
Framing tips: These companion pieces display beautifully as a pair in matching dark wood or gilt frames with ivory mats. Their balanced composition and rich maritime detail make them perfect for collectors of early travel and natural history prints.
Technique: Copper engraving with Latin letterpress text on laid paper Maker: Theodor de Bry (1528–1598), Frankfurt am Main, circa 1598–1601
