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Description

Interesting map of the Harbor at Rio De Janeiro, as seen by the Dutch in 1599. In 1599, a Dutch Fleet, commanded by Oliver van Noort, fleet reached an island in the natural harbor of Rio de Janeiro. On this island there was a town and nearby a fortress, both of which had been built by the Portuguese. After their long voyage, they desperately needed fresh fruit, but found only very little to eat. Later, when they went ashore in rowing boats, many Indians appeared and started shooting arrows at them. Several Dutchmen were wounded and two captured, but these men were later released in exchange for money. The view of the Harbor notes the events described and shows the 4 ships arriving in the harbor, numerous smaller boats being rowed to various parts of the harbor, a view of the town and fortifications constructed by the Dutch, and the native reception. Includes a compass rose in the harbor. Latin text.

Theodor De Bry Biography

Theodor de Bry (1528-1598) was a prominent Flemish engraver and publisher best known for his engravings of the New World. Born in Liege, de Bry hailed from the portion of Flanders then controlled by Spain. The de Brys were a family of jewelers and engravers, and young Theodor was trained in those artisanal trades.

As a Lutheran, however, his life and livelihood were threatened when the Spanish Inquisition cracked down on non-Catholics. De Bry was banished and his goods seized in 1570. He fled to Strasbourg, where he studied under the Huguenot engraver Etienne Delaune. He also traveled to Antwerp, London, and Frankfurt, where he settled with his family.

In 1590, de Bry began to publish his Les Grands Voyages, which would eventually stretch to thirty volumes released by de Bry and his two sons. The volumes contained not only important engraved images of the New World, the first many had seen of the geographic novelties, but also several important maps. He also published a collection focused on India Orientalis. Les Grands Voyages was published in German, Latin, French, and English, extending de Bry’s fame and his view of the New World.