Map of the Western Hemisphere, 1592

This engraving is part of a remarkable series of publications illustrating voyages of discovery and exploration in different parts of the world.

The project was begun by Theodore de Bry of Frankfurt in 1590 and was to continue for another 54 years.

Together they became known as the Grands Voyages (to America and the West Indies) and the Petits Voyages (to the Orient and the East Indies). De Bry died after completing the first six parts of the Grands Voyages.

The project was completed first by his widow and two sons, Johann Theodore de Bry and Johann Israel de Bry, and then by his son-in-law, Matthaus Merian, in 1644.

Focusing on the Spanish possessions in the Americas, this map covers what is now the southern United States down to South America.

It was published to accompany the accounts of the voyages of Johann van Stadden and Jean de Lery.

The cartography is taken from de Bry’s own map of Florida and the West Indies after Jacques le Moyne.

However, there is no obvious source for the cartography of South America, the southern regions of which are shown very wide, but not as bulging as in Ortelius’ version.

De Bry’s exceptional engraving skills and artistic style are evident in the large, elaborate cartouches, coats of arms, two compass roses, sea monster, Spanish galleon and intricate border.

Map of the Western Hemisphere 1592 – Historical Map