Available for purchase is an original hand-colored engraving from Theodor de Bry and Jacques Le Moyne's "Brevis narratio eorum quae in Florida Americae Provicia Gallis acciderunt, quae est seconda pars Americae". This volume is the second part of de Bry's "Grands Voyages to the Americas" which is considered one of the most remarkable collections of voyages published in the Age of Discovery. Part 2 includes accounts of several early expeditions of the French to Florida, including René de Laudonnière’s expedition in 1564, for which Jacques Le Moyne served as an artist. After narrowly escaping massacre by the Spaniards at Fort Caroline in 1565, Le Moyne returned to France, bringing his drawings with him. Le Moyne died in 1588 and his manuscripts and drawings were sold by his widow to De Bry who published them in this volume. The engravings created for this volume represent the earliest known visual representations of Florida's indigenous people and their culture.

This particular plate (No. XVIII) is from the first German translation edition of the Florida volume published in Frankfurt in 1591. The translated title is "The Chief Applied to by Women Whose Husbands Have Died in the War or by Disease". The image is expertly hand-colored, presumably later. The plate is included on its full page with a text description of the image underneath. The image portion measures approximately 8 1/8" x 6" and the full page is about 9" x 12 1/8". The reverse side of the page is blank. 

The translated text description of the plate reads: "The women whose husbands have succumbed in battle or have died from illness have the custom of assembling on a day that seems to them most suitable to appear before their king. They approach him, overcome with grief, sit down on their heels, and covering their faces with their hands, they cry out and moan. They ask the king to avenge their dead husbands, to provide them with means to live during their widowhood and to permit them to remarry after the time laid down by law. The king, taking pity on them, grants their requests. They return home, weeping and wailing, as proof of the love they felt for their husbands. After having spent several days in mourning they carry their husbands' weapons and drinking cups to their tombs, then they start to weep again and celebrate other funereal ceremonies." (translations are taken from "Discovering the New World, Based on the Works of Theodore de Bry").

I purchased this engraving, along with many others, at a recent auction that featured the collection of a serious map and atlas collector. This engraving is guaranteed to be from the original 1591 de Bry "Grand Voyages" Florida volume and not a reprint. Please check my positive feedback and buy with confidence from a trusted seller. And be sure to watch my future listings for more engravings, maps, and atlases from this collection.

Condition of this historically important engraving is "GOOD". The hand coloring is unfaded and very nicely done. The page has been remarginated on the right side and there are some light dampstains on the left corners that do not affect the image. The upper corners have some clear tape remnants attached from previous mounting. Overall, this attractive image looks great and displays well. It would make a fine addition to any collection. Please take a close look at the many photos I've provided and judge condition for yourself. I'm confident you'll be very pleased with this purchase.

If you collect antique engravings, particularly those from de Bry's "Grand Voyages" volumes, don't miss your opportunity to purchase this offering. Original copies of this 1591 engraving are quite scarce, especially ones that have been expertly hand colored. My Buy It Now price of only $260 is a real bargain and considerably less than the $390 purchase price paid by the previous owner. So, buy this engraving now before someone else beats you to the deal!

While you're here, please check out my other listings by clicking on the link below. As I mentioned previously, I HAVE MANY OTHER DE BRY ENGRAVINGS FOR SALE THIS WEEK, along with some collectible maps. Whenever possible, I'll be happy to reduce shipping for combined purchases.

See my other listings for more great items!

Payment is due immediately after purchase. Virginia residents will need to add 5.3% state sales tax to the final purchase price. E-bay has also started charging sales tax in many other states recently, something beyond my control.

For international purchases, the buyer is responsible for all customs fees. The declared value listed on the customs form will be the final selling price of the item. I will not list the item as a "gift" to avoid customs charges.

If you're the lucky buyer of this antique engraving, it will come to you VERY carefully packaged via FREE ECONOMY SHIPPING to any U.S. destination. Priority Mail is also available for an extra charge. International buyers will need to message me for a shipping quote.

E-bay no longer allows sellers to offer buyers the option of purchasing shipping insurance. I will insure this item at my own expense.