De Bry “Hans Staden reaches Morocco" - Asilah - 1593

"Hans Staden reaches Morocco (Asilah)"

-Original Copperplate Engraving

-Theodore De Bry (1528-1598)

-Page 9.5 x 13 inches (23 x 33cm)

-Image 8.5 x 6 inches (22 x 15cm)

-1593 (This print from the Latin 2nd Edition of 1600)

-Good condition - a some more significant toning and marks to page. Trimmed tight to left border.

-Verso text

This page is from Part III of the monumental Grands Voyages by Theodore De Bry This part is based on the account of Hans von Staden, who spent 2 years living with the Indians in The Amazon jungle after being captured by them. On returning to Europe he wrote a book, first published in 1557, which described their way of life including their cannibal tendencies. The work was a sensation when published in Europe, and De Bry produced this fine edition with beautiful copper plate engravings, which were far superior to the crude original woodblock prints.

This is plate 2 from the series and depicts Hans Staden arriving in Morocco. This stylised engraving shows Captain Pintado's ship, which had Hans Staden aboard, landing at Cape de Gel (Asilah) on the north coast of Africa. There they attacked and captured a cargo ship, whose crew escaped in small boats. They loaded its booty of sugar, almonds, dates and rubber aboard and sailed off to Madeira where news of the captured cargo was conveyed to the King of Lisbon.