Old Porto-Vecchio Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Battle of Îles Sanguinaires, La Sémillante Wreck, Lavezzi Lighthouse

Step into the past with the exquisite nautical chart "The Bay of Port Vecchio in Corsica," a rare gem from the early 19th century. Crafted by the esteemed William Heather in 1802, this chart is not only a navigational piece but also a work of art, distinguished by its orientation with west at the top. As part of Heather's ambitious project, "The New Mediterranean Pilot," this chart marks a significant English contribution to maritime cartography, which was previously dominated by French and Italian efforts. The detailed engravings by John Stephenson highlight the meticulous craftsmanship that sets this chart apart, making it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts of maritime history.

The chart meticulously details the southeastern coast of Corsica, focusing on the strategic Bay of Porto-Vecchio. It includes an array of soundings, topographical features, and anchorages, crucial for navigation and understanding the maritime landscape of the time. The inclusion of a detailed plan of the village of Porto-Vecchio and its surrounding areas offers a glimpse into the coastal life in Corsica during the early 1800s. This chart not only served as a practical guide for sailors but also as a detailed record of the geographical and human-made features of this historic region.

Beyond its navigational utility, the chart is a repository of historical tales and maritime lore. It marks significant historical sites such as the location of the Battle of the Îles Sanguinaires and the tragic wreck of the French warship La Sémillante. The depiction of the Lavezzi Lighthouse, built years after the chart's publication, and the ancient Porto-Vecchio Citadel, built in the 16th century, adds layers of historical depth, inviting viewers to explore the rich past of Corsica and its maritime heritage.

This chart is not only rare but also holds a special place in the history of cartography. As the first example of this chart ever seen on the market, its uniqueness is unparalleled. The charts from Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot" are known for their rarity and the fine engraving quality, making them extremely sought after in the collector's market. This particular chart, with its detailed engravings and historical annotations, offers a unique window into the Mediterranean's past, making it a must-have for those passionate about history and cartography.

In conclusion, "The Bay of Port Vecchio in Corsica" is more than just a map; it is a historical document that captures the essence of Corsican maritime history. Its detailed depiction of nautical and topographical features, combined with its rich historical annotations, makes it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the Mediterranean's naval history. The craftsmanship of William Heather, enhanced by John Stephenson's fine engravings, ensures that this chart remains a testament to the art and science of early 19th-century mapmaking.

Notable Places on This Map

• Porto-Vecchio
• Gulf of Porto-Vecchio

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Location of the Battle of the Îles Sanguinaires (1543)
• Wreck of the French warship La Sémillante (1855)
• Lavezzi Lighthouse (built in 1899)
• Porto-Vecchio Citadel (built in the 16th century)

Historical and Design Context

• Published by William Heather in London, 1802
• Part of "The New Mediterranean Pilot"
• First English attempt at a collection of Mediterranean ports
• Notable for finely engraved charts by John Stephenson
• Charts from Heather's pilot are extremely rare on the market
• Oriented with west at the top

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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