Old Porto Cesareo Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Southern Italy, Gulf of Tarento, Compass Rose

Embark on a Nautical Journey with "The Port of Cesario, in the Gulf of Tarento"

Delve into the rich tapestry of maritime history with the exquisite 1802 nautical chart, "The Port of Cesario, in the Gulf of Tarento." Crafted by the esteemed William Heather, this chart is a pivotal piece from Heather's groundbreaking work, The New Mediterranean Pilot. Unlike its French and Italian predecessors, which were relatively rudimentary, Heather's charts are celebrated for their meticulous engraving and clarity. This chart not only captures the southern coast of Italy with precision but also marks a significant English foray into Mediterranean cartography, a domain previously dominated by other European nations.

Navigational Brilliance and Artistic Mastery

This chart is a testament to the navigational challenges and the artistic prowess of early 19th-century mapmaking. Oriented with northeast at the top, it meticulously details the coastline of the Gulf of Tarento, providing soundings, anchorages, and currents essential for safe maritime navigation. Notable features such as the town of Cesario and the strategic Tower de Garde are elegantly marked, offering a glimpse into the geographical and historical importance of these locations. The inclusion of a compass rose and the precise calculation of the compass variation at 15 degrees west further exemplify the chart's utility and accuracy.

A Closer Look at Porto Cesareo

The chart's focus on Porto Cesareo, a crucial port during this era, highlights its significance in maritime trade and defense. The detailed depiction of topographical features around the port, including Loreto and the Sand Bank, provides invaluable insights into the port's environment and operational dynamics during the early 1800s. Such detailed cartographic representation was essential for sailors and merchants alike, navigating the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean.

The Legacy of William Heather and John Stephenson

William Heather's collaboration with John Stephenson, a renowned London engraver, resulted in charts of exceptional quality and detail. Stephenson’s skillful engravings ensured that each chart was not only a functional tool for navigation but also a work of art. This chart is a brilliant example of their combined legacy, with Stephenson's monogram subtly affirming his craftsmanship. Their work not only enhanced the safety and efficiency of Mediterranean navigation but also set new standards in the aesthetic presentation of nautical charts.

A Rare and Valuable Collector's Piece

Today, this chart stands not just as a navigational aid but as a prized collector's item. Its rarity is underscored by its infrequent appearance on the market, making it a coveted piece for collectors and historians passionate about maritime history and cartography. Owning this chart is akin to possessing a rare artifact that offers a window into the maritime challenges and achievements of the early 19th century. It serves as a remarkable testament to the evolution of nautical charting and the enduring allure of maritime exploration.

This chart, with its rich historical context and superb craftsmanship, invites admirers and collectors alike to own a piece of nautical history, beautifully bridging the realms of art, navigation, and historical scholarship.

Notable Places on This Map

• Porto Cesareo
• Loreto
• Torre de Garde
• Sand Bank

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Nautical chart showing the coastline and navigational aids such as a compass rose and soundings
• The map is oriented with northeast at the top
• The scale of the map is given as 2 miles
• The variation of the compass is given as 15 degrees west

Historical and Design Context

• Published by William Heather in London in 1802
• Part of Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot, the first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean
• Notably finer engraving compared to earlier French and Italian versions
• Many charts in the collection signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

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I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.