The Elements of Brand Design

In 1590, Theodore de Bry, a Flemish engraver and publisher, introduced European audiences to the New World through the first volume of his America series. This work, crafted from the narratives of explorers such as Thomas Harriot, Sir Francis Drake, and Sir Walter Raleigh, captivated readers with vivid engravings that illustrated the mysterious lands and peoples across the Atlantic Ocean. Covering regions from modern-day North Carolina and Florida to Central America and Patagonia, the initial nine volumes offered insights into the interactions between Native Americans and Europeans, showcasing the perspectives of the latter. These depictions were partly based on explorers' accounts and partly on De Bry’s own imagination, as he himself never visited the Americas. Although he was based in Frankfurt, De Bry initiated the project while in London, collaborating with artists like John White and Jacques Le Moyne, and utilizing their original watercolors for the first two volumes. Together with his sons, De Bry established a family enterprise known for producing exquisite copper engravings and superior illustrations, unmatched in their artistry.