Illustrations by Theodor de Bry

Theodor de Bry, a sixteenth-century Flemish engraver and publisher, is one of the most prominent authors in our series of illustrated books. This artist is celebrated for his detailed and often sensational prints of the New World, despite never having traveled to America. His illustrations were based on the stories and drawings of explorers who did make the trip.
We also chose to use Bry prints for our book covers because of their charms and their emblematic significance in the visual representation of the conquest and exploration of America. His prints not only capture the imagination and wonder of an era, but also reflect the complexities and challenges of the age of discovery and colonization.
His most famous works are in a collection entitled “Grand Voyages”, a series of engravings illustrating the travels of various European explorers in America. These illustrations offer insight into how Europeans of the time perceived newly discovered indigenous lands and peoples.
Theodor de Bry’s illustrations often focused on encounters between Europeans and Native Americans, and were not always accurate. Many of the images were exaggerated or even fictitious, with the aim of attracting the attention and interest of the European public. This included scenes of cannibalism, exotic rituals, and strange fauna and flora.
De Bry’s images played a significant role in shaping the European perception of the New World. Although they may not be faithful representations of reality, they provide an important historical perspective on how Europeans imagined and understood the lands and peoples they were beginning to explore and colonize. His work remains a valuable source for historians and those interested in the history of exploration and colonization.