Published in Frankfurt, Germany in 1631, this first edition engraving from Johann Ludwig Gottfried’s “Newe Welt Vnd Americanische Historien” depicts the early exploration, conquest and colonization of the New World. Engravings from this text heavily influenced the European perception of the America’s and very often portrayed a false narrative. In this image we see native peoples make offerings to European explorers.
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Newe Welt is a very important historical work and this 1st edition from the 17th century is exceedingly rare. These illustrations come from Jacques Le Moynes de Morgues and John White, both of whom were present on the expeditions. The images were later transferred to copper plates from which Gottfried constructed the present work.
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8 1/2” x 14”
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Condition of the item is very good to excellent, there are a few imperfections one would expect with the age of the piece.