Old Strait of Magellan Nautical Chart by Dudley, 1646: Tierra del Fuego, Le Maire Strait, Terra Australis

Step into the Age of Discovery with Robert Dudley’s exquisite 1646 nautical chart, the "Carta Particolare dello Stretto di Magellano e di Maire." This remarkable map captures the dramatic waterways at the southern tip of South America, including the legendary Strait of Magellan and the newly discovered Strait of Le Maire. Dudley’s chart is a testament to the era’s relentless quest for maritime knowledge, offering a window into the strategic ambitions and adventurous spirit that defined 17th-century exploration. The map’s main focus is on navigation, charting treacherous passages that were vital to global trade and imperial competition.

What sets this chart apart is its masterful blend of artistry and utility. Dudley’s elegant style is evident in the precise coastal outlines, decorative compass roses, and the careful placement of soundings—numbers indicating water depths in fathoms—along the straits and coasts. Sandbars, water channels, and anchorages are meticulously delineated, providing essential guidance for mariners. These infographics, rare for their time, reflect Dudley’s commitment to accuracy and the practical needs of seafarers, elevating the map from a simple illustration to a sophisticated navigational tool.

Dudley’s chart is also a rich tapestry of the era’s geographical knowledge and speculation. Tierra del Fuego dominates the map as a vast island, surrounded by a constellation of smaller islets, many labeled as unknown—a nod to the mysteries that still shrouded the region. Place names encircle the landmasses, sourced from the pioneering voyages of Dutch explorers Le Maire and Schouten, as well as Spanish expeditions sent in response to Dutch discoveries. These annotations provide a fascinating glimpse into the transfer of knowledge between rival European powers and the evolving understanding of the world’s southernmost frontiers.

Adding to the intrigue, the map preserves the myths and legends that colored early exploration. A note referencing the supposed giants of Patagonia, a story born from Magellan’s first circumnavigation, hints at the blend of fact and folklore that accompanied these perilous journeys. In the lower left, Dudley includes the elusive Southern Continent, or Terra Australis, based on accounts from Sir Francis Drake—whom Dudley knew personally. This speculative landmass underscores the era’s sense of wonder and the persistent belief in undiscovered worlds beyond the known seas.

The historical significance of this map is profound. As one of the earliest and most detailed sea charts of the region, it reflects the intense European interest in controlling access to the Pacific and the competitive spirit of maritime empires. Dudley’s connections to legendary explorers and his innovative cartographic techniques make this chart not only a beautiful work of art but also a vital document of human curiosity and ambition. For collectors and connoisseurs, it offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of the adventurous, enigmatic, and ever-evolving story of global exploration.

Notable places on this map

• The Strait of Magellan (Stretto di Magellano), the main navigational channel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
• The Strait of Le Maire (Stretto di Maire), a secondary passage east of Tierra del Fuego.
• Tierra del Fuego (Terra del Fuoco), the large island south of the South American mainland.
• Isla de los Estados (Staten Island), located east of Tierra del Fuego.
• Cape Horn (Cabo Hornos), the southernmost headland of the archipelago, though not always distinctly labeled on early maps.
• Various small islets and rocks along the southern coast of Tierra del Fuego, many marked as unknown.
• Noted harbours and anchorages along the straits, labeled for navigational use.
• The southern tip of the South American mainland, north of the straits.
• Speculative landmass of the Southern Continent (Terra Australis), as referenced by Drake.
• Coastal features such as bays, inlets, and promontories, labeled with names from contemporary voyages.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed coastal outlines and navigational information for the Strait of Magellan and Strait of Le Maire.
• Soundings (water depths in fathoms) marked throughout the straits and coastal areas.
• Compass rose(s) for navigation, indicating directions and possibly magnetic declination.
• Sandbars and water channels outlined, aiding mariners in safe passage.
• Place names encircling Tierra del Fuego, derived from Dutch and Spanish expeditions.
• Notes or legends referencing the myth of giants, a common belief among early European explorers.
• Sailing directions and annotations about the best times to navigate the straits.
• Decorative elements characteristic of Dudley’s elegant cartographic style.

Historical and design context

• Created in 1646 by Robert Dudley, an English explorer, cartographer, and naval engineer known for his influential sea atlas, Arcano del Mare.
• One of the earliest and most detailed sea charts of the region, reflecting up-to-date knowledge and speculation.
• Incorporates data from Dutch and Spanish expeditions (Le Maire, Schouten, Nodales brothers) and English explorers (Drake, Cavendish).
• Focuses on navigation, charting treacherous passages that were vital to global trade and imperial competition.
• Blends artistry and utility, with precise coastal outlines, navigational aids, and decorative compass roses.
• Reflects the intense European interest in controlling access to the Pacific and the competitive spirit of maritime empires.
• Preserves myths and legends of early exploration, such as the supposed giants of Patagonia and the elusive Southern Continent.
• Provides a rare and valuable glimpse into the adventurous, enigmatic, and ever-evolving story of global exploration.

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

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

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

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

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

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 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

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 - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

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.