The Conjurer - Theodor de Bry

A sixteenth-century engraving depicting a Native American conjurer, originally published in 1590 as part of a report on the Virginia colony.

This engraving, titled The Conjurer, originates from the influential publication 'A Briefe and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia', published in 1590. Theodor de Bry, a Flemish engraver and publisher, produced this work based on the original watercolour observations of John White, who accompanied the 1585 expedition to Roanoke Island. The image depicts a Native American medicine man, or conjurer, in a dynamic, mid-stride pose. He wears a skin garment and a bird skin headpiece, with his arms raised in a gesture that suggests ritualistic movement.

The background provides a broader view of the environment, featuring a river, canoes, and figures engaged in hunting and fishing. De Bry utilised the European artistic conventions of the late sixteenth century to interpret these observations, resulting in a stylised representation of indigenous life. The engraving technique employs precise, parallel hatching to define the musculature of the figure and the textures of the natural surroundings.

This print is a significant example of early European attempts to document the cultures of the Americas. While the visual language reflects the aesthetic priorities of the Renaissance, it remains a primary source for understanding the colonial perspective on indigenous practices during the late sixteenth century. The composition balances the central figure with the expansive, detailed background, creating a narrative scene that captures both the individual and his environment. As a museum-grade reproduction, this print preserves the fine line work and tonal variations of the original copperplate engraving, offering a clear view of the historical documentation process.