46 Theodor de Bry (1528–1598) – Indigenous Brazilian Dance and Song with Transcribed Music – Engraving (Circa 1592)
This highly unusual ethnographic print depicts a ceremonial dance and celebration of indigenous peoples in Brazil, specifically the Tupinamba. The central illustration shows a circle of figures moving in unison, surrounding a figure who directs the ceremony. Uniquely, the bottom portion of the page includes transcribed musical notation, marked with the phrase hœa hœa hœa. This plate comes from Americae Tertia Pars, the third volume of De Bry's Grands Voyages, illustrating the narrative of Jean de Léry. The print is notable as one of the earliest examples of transcribed Native South American music published in Europe, blending detailed ethnographic illustration with musical documentation.
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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