1599 Kickback from European Musket Sends Javanese Native to the Ground
Die Kriegsleutzu zu Bantam mit ihrer Rustung
By: Theodor de Bry
Date: 1599 (circa) Amsterdam
Dimensions: 11.75 x 8 inches (30 cm x 20.3 cm)
This is print XX in the series of the city-sultanate Bantam in Java, located across the straits from Sumatra. This antique print depicts four armed native soldiers, with weaponry including a spear, sword, large shield and even a musket whose forceful kickback on being fired has laid low one of the four, who obviously missed his target, a bull who is running to the hills away from the four. German text describes the scenario.
Theodore de Bry started his professional career as an engraver, during the three years he lived in London. He became acquainted with the geographer Richard Hakluyt, whose stories of expeditions to exotic foreign lands engendered in de Bry a desire to make the discoveries known to a wider reading public. Most of his books were based on first-hand accounts by the explorers themselves.
Condition: This print is in B condition. There is soiling, minor foxing, and some damp stain. A separation or tear at the border has been repaired with archival material on the verso.
Inventory #19518
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