Old Gulf of Palermo, Italy Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Monte Pellegrino, Anchorages
Discover the Charm of the Mediterranean with “The Gulf of Palermo in Sicily” by William Heather
Embark on a historical voyage with the exquisite 1802 nautical chart, “The Gulf of Palermo in Sicily,” masterfully created by the renowned British cartographer William Heather. This chart is not merely a navigational tool but a piece of art, showcasing Heather’s commitment to precision and aesthetic detail. As part of Heather’s ambitious project, The New Mediterranean Pilot, this chart represents a significant English contribution to Mediterranean maritime cartography, which was previously dominated by French and Italian efforts. Unlike its predecessors, Heather’s charts are celebrated for their meticulous engravings, many of which were finely crafted by the esteemed London engraver John Stephenson.
Navigational Brilliance and Artistic Mastery
This chart is a treasure trove of information for both mariners and historians. Oriented unconventionally with southwest at the top, it features detailed soundings, currents, and navigational aids like compass roses, essential for safe passage through the waters of the Gulf of Palermo. The inclusion of topographical features such as Monte Pellegrino and Monte Cuccio adds layers of geographical context, making it a valuable resource for understanding the region’s maritime landscape in the early 19th century.
A Portal to the Past
The Gulf of Palermo chart is not only a guide through the physical maritime routes but also a passage through time, offering insights into the historical and economic significance of Sicily’s coastal regions. The detailed representation of anchorages and currents reflects the gulf’s role in trade and defense, pivotal in the Napoleonic era. This chart is a rare artifact, being the first of its kind seen on the market, highlighting its uniqueness and collectible value among connoisseurs of maritime history and cartography.
A Fusion of Function and Elegance
The artistic finesse of this chart is evident in its design and execution. The fine engravings serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, transforming a utilitarian maritime document into a work of art. The visual appeal of the chart is enhanced by its stylistic orientation and the clarity of its cartographic details, which are as informative as they are pleasing to the eye. This chart is not just a tool for navigation but a decorative piece that captures the essence of Mediterranean maritime culture.
An Enduring Legacy
William Heather’s contribution to the field of nautical charting with “The Gulf of Palermo in Sicily” chart underscores the evolution of cartographic techniques and the importance of accurate maritime mapping. As part of a broader effort to provide comprehensive navigational aids, this chart exemplifies the transition from rudimentary sketches to detailed and reliable guides for sailors navigating the complex waters of the Mediterranean. Owning this chart is akin to possessing a fragment of maritime history, immortalizing the rich tapestry of Sicilian and Mediterranean seafaring heritage.
This chart, with its blend of historical significance, navigational utility, and artistic beauty, is an invaluable acquisition for any collector or enthusiast of nautical maps, offering a unique glimpse into the maritime past of the Mediterranean.
Notable Places on This Map
- Palermo
- Gulf of Castellammare
- Island of Ustica
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Rivers Oreto and Belice
- Mountains of Monte Pellegrino and Monte Cuccio
- Soundings and navigational aids such as a compass rose and currents
- Anchorages
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
- Notably finer engraving quality compared to earlier French and Italian versions
- Chart is oriented with southwest at the top
- This chart is a rare example and the first of its kind seen on the market
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.
