De Bry, Treasures of the Tropics: Lac, Lancas, and Fagaras, Engraving, 1601

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Title: "Treasures of the Tropics: Lac, Lancas, and Fagaras in De Bry's 1601 Engraving" : In this detailed 1601 engraving … Read more Title: "Treasures of the Tropics: Lac, Lancas, and Fagaras in De Bry's 1601 Engraving" : In this detailed 1601 engraving by Theodore de Bry, a variety of tropical produce and products are displayed, focusing on the Lac tree, Lancas fruit, and Fagaras spice. The Lac tree, known for its resin used in varnishes and lacquers, stands alongside the Lancas, likely a reference to the Jackfruit with its large, bumpy exterior, and the Fagaras, which may refer to the aromatic long pepper. The foreground is richly adorned with these items, hinting at their economic significance. The scene is set against a backdrop of a serene landscape, possibly representing the Sunda Islands, with palm trees swaying and distant figures contributing to the tranquil tropical atmosphere. De Bry’s engraving serves as a visual compendium of the exotic commodities that fueled the spice trade, bringing a taste of the East Indies to Europe. His works were instrumental in shaping European perceptions of these far-off lands, emphasizing the lushness and wealth of resources available, which were much coveted during the spice trade era. Translation of the Latin text: "In Bali, Java, and the Sunda islands, fruits like these shown and others emerge; one of which that emerges is called the Greater Galangal or Galiga, locally named Lancas. The Fagaras, famous in Sunda, has the appearance of a cubeb on the outside, covered with a rind. The fruit shown here comes from the tree depicted, as well as the Lac, called Caislacc by the Malays, which is plentiful in the writings of Barros and Tolonbanu." The engraving is a page from Part IV of de Bry's "Petits Voyages," which narrates significant expeditions to the East Indies, including those led by Jan Juygen van Linschoten and Cornelis de Houtman between 1595-97, as well as the journey by Jacob van Neck and Wybrandt van Warwijck in 1598-99. These works were not merely artistic endeavors but also ethnographic records, showcasing indigenous peoples, fauna, flora, and the diverse riches of lands like India, Madagascar, and the East Indies. Though Theodore de Bry began this ambitious project, it was continued posthumously by his family and later completed by his son-in-law, Matthaus Merian, in 1644. This particular engraving, rich in detail and drama, offers a window into the perilous and wondrous experiences of early explorers, and the ways in which these moments were captured and communicated to a European audience hungry for knowledge of the wider world. See less