Old Port of Antibes Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Fort Carré, Baie des Anges, Iles de Lérins
Restored in our London workshop from the original 1802 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
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Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Restored in London • Printed and framed in Canada
Restored from the original 1802 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Full description
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If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
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The Port of Antibes: A Nautical Chronicle from 1802 The "Port of Antibes" chart, meticulously crafted by William Heather in 1802, stands...
Continue readingThe Port of Antibes: A Nautical Chronicle from 1802
The "Port of Antibes" chart, meticulously crafted by William Heather in 1802, stands as a remarkable artifact from the era of maritime exploration and conflict. This chart is not merely a navigational aid but a detailed portrayal of one of the Mediterranean's most strategic harbors during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars. Heather, renowned for his contributions to maritime cartography, launched "The New Mediterranean Pilot," marking the first English endeavor to systematically chart the Mediterranean's ports—a project that previously saw renditions from French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. Unlike its predecessors, Heather's work is distinguished by its precision and the exquisite engravings often signed by John Stephenson, a noted London engraver of the time.
Navigational Details and Historical Context
As a nautical chart, the map emphasizes the practical details vital for sailors of the era. It meticulously notes soundings in fathoms, illustrating the depths of the waters, which was crucial for safe navigation. The inclusion of a compass rose and indications of water currents further enhance its utility. Importantly, the chart also highlights the strategic installations around Antibes, including the iconic Fort Carré, a 16th-century star-shaped fortification that played a significant role in regional defense. These features not only served navigational purposes but also provided British sailors with essential intelligence on French naval capacities and fortifications during the ongoing conflicts of the period.
Antibes and Its Surroundings
Beyond its utility for navigation and military strategy, the chart offers a glimpse into the broader geographical context of Antibes. It details not only the port itself but also the adjacent town of Antibes, founded in the 6th century BC by the Greeks. The map extends to include the scenic Baie des Anges, home to the city of Nice, and the Cap d'Antibes, a prominent headland delineating the bay from the Golfe Juan. The Iles de Lérins, a group of four islands off the coast of Cannes, are also depicted, adding to the chart’s comprehensive coverage of this historically rich region.
Design and Artistic Merit
The design of the "Port of Antibes" chart is a testament to the high standards of cartographic art in the early 19th century. Oriented with north at the top, the map’s layout and the clarity of its engravings make it not only a functional tool for navigation but also a piece of art. The fine lines and detailed renderings reflect a meticulous attention to detail that is characteristic of Heather’s charts. This artistic merit, combined with its historical value, makes the chart a prized collectible for enthusiasts of both maritime history and cartographic art.
Collectibility and Rarity
This chart of the Port of Antibes is particularly notable for its rarity. As possibly the first English printed chart of this significant Mediterranean port, it occupies a unique place in the history of cartography. The focus on such a specific and strategically important location, along with the detailed depiction of its fortifications and maritime features, makes this chart a rare find. For collectors, historians, and aficionados of nautical charts, acquiring such a piece offers not only a stunning visual and historical artifact but also an investment in the rich tapestry of maritime history.
Notable Places on This Map
- The Port of Antibes, France
- The town of Antibes, founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC
- Fort Carré, a star-shaped fort built in the 16th century
- Baie des Anges, a large bay home to the city of Nice
- Iles de Lérins, a group of four islands off the coast of Cannes
- Cap d'Antibes, a headland that separates the Baie des Anges from the Golfe Juan
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Nautical chart showing the southern coast of France in the Mediterranean Sea
- Shows soundings (numbers showing water depths in fathoms)
- Navigational aids including a compass rose, currents, and water channels
- Detailed depiction of the surrounding fortifications relevant during the Napoleonic Wars
Historical and Design Context
- Created by William Heather in 1802
- Part of Heather’s "The New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English collection of Mediterranean ports
- Notable for finely engraved charts, many signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson
- Represents a valuable historical document, providing a detailed snapshot of the port during a major strategic and commercial era
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.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
The Port of Antibes: A Nautical Chronicle from 1802
The "Port of Antibes" chart, meticulously crafted by William Heather in 1802, stands as a remarkable artifact from the era of maritime exploration and conflict. This chart is not merely a navigational aid but a detailed portrayal of one of the Mediterranean's most strategic harbors during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars. Heather, renowned for his contributions to maritime cartography, launched "The New Mediterranean Pilot," marking the first English endeavor to systematically chart the Mediterranean's ports—a project that previously saw renditions from French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. Unlike its predecessors, Heather's work is distinguished by its precision and the exquisite engravings often signed by John Stephenson, a noted London engraver of the time.
Navigational Details and Historical Context
As a nautical chart, the map emphasizes the practical details vital for sailors of the era. It meticulously notes soundings in fathoms, illustrating the depths of the waters, which was crucial for safe navigation. The inclusion of a compass rose and indications of water currents further enhance its utility. Importantly, the chart also highlights the strategic installations around Antibes, including the iconic Fort Carré, a 16th-century star-shaped fortification that played a significant role in regional defense. These features not only served navigational purposes but also provided British sailors with essential intelligence on French naval capacities and fortifications during the ongoing conflicts of the period.
Antibes and Its Surroundings
Beyond its utility for navigation and military strategy, the chart offers a glimpse into the broader geographical context of Antibes. It details not only the port itself but also the adjacent town of Antibes, founded in the 6th century BC by the Greeks. The map extends to include the scenic Baie des Anges, home to the city of Nice, and the Cap d'Antibes, a prominent headland delineating the bay from the Golfe Juan. The Iles de Lérins, a group of four islands off the coast of Cannes, are also depicted, adding to the chart’s comprehensive coverage of this historically rich region.
Design and Artistic Merit
The design of the "Port of Antibes" chart is a testament to the high standards of cartographic art in the early 19th century. Oriented with north at the top, the map’s layout and the clarity of its engravings make it not only a functional tool for navigation but also a piece of art. The fine lines and detailed renderings reflect a meticulous attention to detail that is characteristic of Heather’s charts. This artistic merit, combined with its historical value, makes the chart a prized collectible for enthusiasts of both maritime history and cartographic art.
Collectibility and Rarity
This chart of the Port of Antibes is particularly notable for its rarity. As possibly the first English printed chart of this significant Mediterranean port, it occupies a unique place in the history of cartography. The focus on such a specific and strategically important location, along with the detailed depiction of its fortifications and maritime features, makes this chart a rare find. For collectors, historians, and aficionados of nautical charts, acquiring such a piece offers not only a stunning visual and historical artifact but also an investment in the rich tapestry of maritime history.
Notable Places on This Map
- The Port of Antibes, France
- The town of Antibes, founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC
- Fort Carré, a star-shaped fort built in the 16th century
- Baie des Anges, a large bay home to the city of Nice
- Iles de Lérins, a group of four islands off the coast of Cannes
- Cap d'Antibes, a headland that separates the Baie des Anges from the Golfe Juan
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Nautical chart showing the southern coast of France in the Mediterranean Sea
- Shows soundings (numbers showing water depths in fathoms)
- Navigational aids including a compass rose, currents, and water channels
- Detailed depiction of the surrounding fortifications relevant during the Napoleonic Wars
Historical and Design Context
- Created by William Heather in 1802
- Part of Heather’s "The New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English collection of Mediterranean ports
- Notable for finely engraved charts, many signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson
- Represents a valuable historical document, providing a detailed snapshot of the port during a major strategic and commercial era
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.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every Unique Maps piece begins with an authentic cartographic source or an original design from our London studio.
For our historic maps, we source rare originals from libraries, archives, auction houses and private collections around the world. We carefully restore each map for print—repairing age-related damage, balancing colour and improving clarity while preserving its original detail, texture and character.
Once restored, the map is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our map prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks, creating a rich, non-glossy finish designed to last. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Canvas, cotton-rag and other specialist presentations are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
Personalising your map
You can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. For personalised designs, we send a proof before printing and you can request changes before approval.
For more complex bespoke commissions, contact our design team.
Original or Aged
Choose Original for true-to-source colour, or Aged for a warmer, richer antique character created with our specialist ageing process. See examples of our Aged maps.
If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.
I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.
I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.
Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
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