Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

De Bry’s India and East Indies – Cockfights, Sacred Trees Exotic Animals, 1598

$2,355.03per set
£1,759.85per set
€1,990per set
CA$3,279.26per set
A$3,523.91per set
CHF 1,890.78per set
MX$41,509.52per set
NOK 23,774.49per set
SEK 21,717.85per set
DKK 15,169.92per set

About the Item

Set of Four De Bry Engravings of India and the East Indies, c.1598 – Cockfights, Sacred Trees, Exotic Animals, and the Eeme Bird An exceptional and matching set of four original engravings from Theodor de Bry’s Petits Voyages (Frankfurt am Main, circa 1598–1601), each accompanied by its full Latin letterpress text. These finely detailed copper engravings capture European encounters with the natural wonders and customs of India and Southeast Asia at the turn of the 17th century. 1. Quo Pacto Javani Gallos Gallinaceos in Pugnam Committant Depicts Javanese men engaged in cockfighting, a pastime observed by early Dutch travelers. The scene, with palm trees and tropical animals in the background, reflects European fascination with local customs and the moral curiosity surrounding gambling rituals. 2. Effigies Illius Arboris, Quam Tristem Vocant Shows an Indian courtyard with cattle, figures gathering fruit, and a flowering tree known as the “Tree of Sorrow.” The accompanying text describes this plant as a wonder of nature that blooms only by night, symbolizing the marvels of India’s flora. 3. Contrafactura Quorundam Animalium in India Celebrium A lively menagerie scene featuring an elephant, rhinoceros, crocodile, turtle, and armadillo-like animal—representations of the exotic creatures that fascinated European audiences. The print embodies De Bry’s blend of scientific curiosity and decorative engraving style. 4. De Ave Eeme Dicta et Animalibus Quibusdam Indiae Aliis Illustrates the mysterious “Eeme” bird of Java, alongside other animals including buffalo, chameleon, and a crocodile, with European ships offshore. The text describes these creatures with wonder, often blurring observation and imagination. Together, these engravings form a coherent suite showcasing De Bry’s artistry and the early European vision of the East. His engravings were among the first to introduce many of these exotic species and customs to Western audiences. Condition: Very good, with clear impressions and wide margins. Minor toning and faint foxing consistent with age. Left margin with slight binding traces. Paper strong and well-preserved. Framing tips: Displayed as a set of four, these works are best presented in uniform dark wood or ebonized frames with cream mats. The fine linework and sepia tones are beautifully accentuated under museum glass. Technique: Copper engraving with Latin letterpress text on laid paper Maker: Theodor de Bry (1528–1598), Frankfurt am Main, circa 1598–1601
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 12.01 in (30.5 cm)Width: 7.88 in (20 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 4
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1598
  • Condition:
    Condition: Very good, with clear impressions and wide margins. Minor toning and faint foxing consistent with age. Left margin with slight binding traces. Paper strong and well-preserved.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13596-37, -38, -39, -401stDibs: LU3054346963632

More From This Seller

View All
Exotic Encounters: Giant Crabs, Tortoises, Whales, and Cockfights - De Bry, 1598
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: De Bry Engravings of Exotic Encounters – Giant Crabs, Tortoises, Whales, and Cockfights, c.1598 A remarkable set of four original copper engravings from Theodor de Bry’s cele...
Category

Antique 16th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

De Bry Indian Botanical Engravings – Coconut, Bamboo Cashew Trees, c.1598
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of Three De Bry Botanical Engravings of Indian Trees and Fruits, c.1598 – Coconut, Bamboo, and Cashew Description: A rare and beautifully matching set of three original copper e...
Category

Antique 16th Century German Prints

Materials

Paper

The Cockfight of Java: A 1601 de Bry Engraving of Cultural Pastimes
Located in Langweer, NL
Original Antique engraving by Theodore De Bry from 'Pars Quarta Indiae Orientalis...,' 1601, with descriptive Latin text below the image. This 1601 e...
Category

Antique Early 17th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Colonial Curiosities: Fauna of the West Indies, by R. de Hooghe, circa 1708
Located in Langweer, NL
This original antique print is an intricate engraving from the early 18th century, titled "India Occidentalis," also known as the West Indies. Created by Romeyn de Hooghe, a distingu...
Category

Antique Early 1700s Prints

Materials

Paper

Pair of De Bry Engravings of Birds, Fish Sea Plants en Route to India, c.1598
Located in Langweer, NL
Pair of De Bry Engravings of Birds, Fish, and Sea Plants Observed en Route to India, c.1598 A fascinating pair of original copper engravings from Theodor de Bry’s Petits Voyages (Fr...
Category

Antique 16th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Early Dutch Exploration Scene with Exotic Wildlife and Naval Encounter, 1611
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Early Dutch Exploration Scene with Exotic Wildlife and Naval Encounter, Pontanus 1611 This original 1611 engraving sheet from Johannes Isacius Pontanus’ Rerum et urbis Amstel...
Category

Antique Early 17th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Decoration With Animals - Etching by Niccolò Vanni - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Decoration With Animals is an Etching realized by Niccolò Vanni (1750-1770). The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed...
Category

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Stories from Genesis - Etching by Antonio Tempesta - 17th Century
By Antonio Tempesta
Located in Roma, IT
Stories from Genesis is an etching realized by Antonio Tempesta in the early 17th Century. It's part of series of three plates. it represents Isaac's sacrifice. 3 etching of 9 cm e...
Category

17th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Decoration With Animals - Etching by Carlo Oraty - 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Decoration With Animals is an Etching realized by Carlo Oraty (18th century). The etching belongs to the print suite “Antiquities of Herculaneum Exposed” (original title: “Le Antich...
Category

Late 18th Century Old Masters Still-life Prints

Materials

Etching

Original Antique Print after Jan Luyken, Amsterdam, Genesis II, 1724
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful copper-plate engraving after Jan Luyken Published by Marten Schagen, Amsterdam. 1724 Text on verso The measurement given is the paper size.
Category

Antique 1720s Dutch Renaissance Prints

Materials

Paper

Sensus Victoria - Etching - 16th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Etching on paper realized by an unknown italian master in the early 16th century after Battista Franco. Not signed. Full margins, very good condition.
Category

16th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Genesis 31 - Old Testament Story - Etching by Sisto Badalocchio - 1607
Located in Roma, IT
Genesis 31 -Old Testament Story is an Etching print realized by the artist Sisto Badalocchio. About The Old Testament Story, 1607 ca. Passpartout i...
Category

Early 1600s Old Masters Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching