Lisbon (from Americae Tertia Pars)

This chorographic image of Lisbon, published as part of America Tertia Pars in the early sixteenth century, diverges from other period images. Rather than depicting the city from a southeastern viewpoint, the illustrator, Theodor de Bry, positions the viewer raised above the harbor of Lisbon with a narrow, eastern viewpoint. Resultantly, the viewer receives a focused glimpse of the Tagus River and the harbor of Lisbon. Merchants and tradesmen, alongside Portuguese caravels ready to sail to Brazil, the WestIndies, and the Americas, occupy the harbor.[1]


[1] “Lisbon, from ‘Americae tertia parts.’” Renaissance Exploration MapCollection,Stanford Libraries, n.d.

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