Matthaeus Merian, “Flying Fish above a Sailing Ship”, 1655

Matthaeus Merian (also known as Matthäus Merian I) (1593–1650), or possibly Theodoor de Bry (aka Théodore de Bry, Dietrich de Bry, and Dirk de Bry) (1528–1598)

“Flying Fish above a Sailing Ship”, 1655

Contextual Commentary:

This original book-leaf was published in Frankfurt am Main in 1655 by the Merian heirs, as part of Johann Ludwig Gottfried’s “Newe Welt und Americanische Historien”. The featured etching appears on page 619 — This page and the complete publication is digitally available via the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/neweweltvndameri00gott/page/n639/mode/2up.

The accompanying German Fraktur letterpress text provides a fascinating window into early transatlantic exploration. The upper narrative describes a fleet anchoring in “Craques Bay” at the Island of St. Vincent (in the Cape Verde archipelago) to pitch tents, seek trade with local inhabitants, and secure fresh drinking water and brandy for their sick crew.

The text beneath the illustration offers a detailed natural history observation of the flying fish depicted, comparing them in size to herrings and noting their bat-like wings. It describes how they escape predatory fish by gliding up to 200 paces through the air, only to risk becoming prey to hawks and sea birds until their wings dry out and they drop back into the sea. The passage explicitly anchors its observations in the historic travel accounts of Girolamo Benzoni and Jean de Léry.

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching on fine laid paper with full margins and German letterpress text on both recto and verso.

The impression is strong, crisp, and evenly printed with minimal signs of plate wear, indicative of a well-preserved early state. There is a small historical hole within the text area; the sheet has been professionally backed with archival-quality Japanese washi paper to ensure full structural integrity and stability. Aside from minor age-toning, the leaf remains in very good condition and is entirely free of significant staining.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 31.0 x 19.6 cm
• Outer image borderline: 15.0 x 18.1 cm

Letterpress text (recto):

• Above image: (centre) “Dritter Theil” (Translation: “Part Three”) (right) “619”
• Main text paragraph directly below image begins with a continuation from the previous page: “plaget waren / Abends vnd Morgens ein wenig Brandwein reichen / zu trincken / vnd den Mund da- / mit zu spülen. (Translation: “...were plagued, to hand out a little brandy evening and morning to drink, and to rinse the mouth therewith.”)

Price & Shipping:

AU$279 (approximately US$194.95 / €173.98 / £147.32), including worldwide express shipping. Please note: Import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this historically fascinating 17th-century leaf capturing European imagination of an early voyages to the Americas, please contact oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.

This print has been sold