"The Departure of Benzoni from Cadiz / SanLucar" - 1594 - De Bry

Benzoni, an Italian, acted as a mediator between different nations. The work describes life of the first nations of Central America. Benzoni wrote at a time when the Spanish treatment of the Indians was a concern, and described the cruelty of the Spanish towards the Indians and African slaves - the famous "Black legend". The work is beautifully illustrated with engravings of the Native Americans and Spanish conquistadors. It including images of Nicaraguans dancing, how they held their markets, and made war, and of slaves being harshly treated. Engravings depict France's failed efforts to colonise the Southern Americas

This image illustrates the departure point for the New World of Girolamo Benzoni in 1541, from the Port of Sanlucar in Southern Spain. He spent 14 years travelling in the West Indies, Central and South Anerica, and after his return in 1565 he published his experiences in "La Historia del Mondo Nuevo".