45 Theodor de Bry (1528–1598) – Indigenous Brazilian Celebration with Musical Notation (The Hœa hœa hœa Song) – Engraving (Circa 1592)
This highly unusual ethnographic print, which depicts a ceremonial celebration of indigenous peoples in Brazil, specifically illustrating their dancing and singing. The engraving shows a circle of figures in motion around a central ceremonial figure. Uniquely, the print includes a segment of transcribed musical notation at the bottom, marked with the repetitive phrase hœa hœa hœa. This plate comes from Americae Tertia Pars, the third volume of De Bry's Grands Voyages, which contained the account of Jean de Léry’s voyage. The inclusion of the musical score is significant, marking it as one of the earliest known examples of transcribed indigenous music published for a European audience.
Theodor de Bry, along with his sons, was a German engraver and publisher, best known for compiling and illustrating the influential collection of travel narratives titled Grands Voyages (The Great Voyages, or America). This colossal work visually documented the New World through detailed copperplate engravings, often based on eyewitness accounts, profoundly shaping European understanding of global exploration and the New World's inhabitants.
Artist or Maker: Theodor de Bry
Dimensions: Approximately 30 × 20 cm
Medium: Engraving
Date: Circa 1592
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 300 - 400 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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