First Map of the Italian Mediterranean Coat by Barentsz, 1595: Naples, Rome, Capri, Sorrento, Gaeta, Ischia

Step into the world of Renaissance navigation with this extraordinary map, bearing the original Latin title Hydrographica descriptio, in qua ore maritime Italiae a monte Argentato Napolim usque, promontoria item & portus, ajacentes insule... Crafted in 1595 by the renowned Dutch cartographer Willem Barentsz, this map stands as the earliest printed navigational chart of the central Italian Mediterranean coast. Its coverage extends from the dramatic cliffs of Porto Ercole to the storied Bay of Naples, encompassing a coastline that has inspired seafarers, merchants, and artists for centuries. The map extends slightly beyond Rome to the northwest, and past Naples to the southeast.

 Every inch of the map is imbued with the spirit of exploration, capturing the essence of a pivotal era when the mysteries of the Mediterranean were being unveiled to the world.

Willem Barentsz, the mapmaker behind this masterpiece, is celebrated not only for his pioneering cartographic work but also for his daring Arctic expeditions in search of a northern passage to China. His expertise as a navigator is evident in the map’s meticulous detail and practical design, which was revolutionary for its time. Barentsz’s collaboration with publisher Claudius Claesz and the influential cartographer Petrus Plancius resulted in a map that marries scientific precision with artistic flourish. The map’s inclusion in the Caertboeck Vande Midlandtsche Zee—the first printed sea atlas of the Mediterranean—marks it as a cornerstone in the history of nautical cartography.

The visual language of this map is as captivating as its historical context. Richly decorated with ornate cartouches, majestic sailing ships, and whimsical sea monsters, it reflects the Dutch Golden Age’s fascination with both the known and the unknown. Three compass roses, each radiating rhumb lines, not only add to the map’s visual drama but also serve a practical function: they display magnetic declinations tailored for both Northern European and Mediterranean navigation. This duality is a rare and ingenious feature, designed to ease the journey of sailors traversing between distant waters, and underscores the map’s innovative spirit.

Geographically, the map is a celebration of Italy’s most enchanting coastal regions. It artfully delineates the provinces of Tuscany, Lazio, Caserta, and Naples, tracing the shoreline past legendary promontories and crystalline bays. The islands of Capri, Ischia, Ponza, Palmarola, Zannone, Cala Spalmatoio, and Ventotene are rendered with particular care, their contours inviting the viewer to imagine the bustling maritime activity of the Renaissance. Major towns such as Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi, and Gaeta are elegantly inscribed, each a gateway to the region’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Beyond its aesthetic allure, this map is a document of profound historical significance. It draws upon the accumulated wisdom of Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese portolan charts, synthesizing centuries of seafaring knowledge into a single, cohesive vision. As the first printed navigational chart of this stretch of coastline, it represents a turning point in the evolution of maritime exploration and trade. Rarely seen on the market and steeped in the legacy of its legendary creator, this map is not only a collector’s treasure but also a tangible link to the age when the boundaries of the world were being redrawn by those bold enough to chart them.

Cities and towns on this map

• Naples (Napoli)
• Rome (Roma)
• Pozzuoli
• Castellammare di Stabia
• Sorrento
• Amalfi
• Gaeta
• Terracina
• Sperlonga
• Porto Ercole

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Decorative illustrations of sailing vessels
• Sea monsters depicted in the waters
• Two ornate compass roses with rhumb lines
• Prominent coastal promontories clearly labeled
• Detailed depiction of islands including Capri, Ischia, Ponza, Palmarola, Zannone, Cala Spalmatoio, and Ventotene
• Ornate title cartouche and scale bar cartouche
• Clearly delineated bays and coastal inlets

Historical and design context

• Crafted in 1595 by renowned Dutch cartographer Willem Barentsz
• Original title: Hydrographica descriptio, in qua ore maritime Italiae a monte Argentato Napolim usque, promontoria item & portus, ajacentes insule...
• Part of the first printed sea atlas of the Mediterranean, Caertboeck Vande Midlandtsche Zee
• Geographical coverage includes the central Italian Mediterranean coastline: Tuscany, Lazio, Caserta, and Naples provinces
• Highly decorative style influenced by Petrus Plancius, with detailed illustrations and ornate cartouches
• Features two compass roses with declinations for both Northern European and Mediterranean navigation—a rare and innovative detail
• Synthesizes knowledge from Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese portolan charts, marking a turning point in nautical cartography
• Extremely rare, with very few known examples in existence

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 90in (230cm). 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.