Old Gulf of Salerno Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Amalfi, Soundings
Immerse yourself in the intricate details of the Gulf of Salerno with this rare chart from the esteemed British hydrographer, William Heather. Published in 1802 as part of “The New Mediterranean Pilot,” this chart not only captures the breathtaking vistas of the Amalfi Coast but also serves as a navigational aid with its precise soundings and anchorages. The chart is a historical gem, offering a glimpse into the maritime significance of this region during the early 19th century. The inclusion of topographical features alongside plans of key villages like Amalfi enriches its value, making it a captivating piece for both historians and maritime enthusiasts.
A Cartographic Rarity: Heather’s Contribution to Nautical Charts
William Heather’s work stands out in the cartographic history due to his meticulous approach to chart making. This chart of the Gulf of Salerno exemplifies his commitment to detail and accuracy. Heather was a prominent figure in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, known for his finely engraved charts and his association with the Royal Society and the Royal Geographical Society. This particular chart is notable for its orientation with northeast at the top and its use of the Mercator projection, a standard in maritime navigation, highlighting Heather’s adherence to the most effective cartographic practices of his time.
Navigational Insights and Artistic Merit
The Gulf of Salerno chart is not only a navigational tool but also a work of art. Engraved by John Stephenson, a noted London engraver, the chart features a level of craftsmanship that sets it apart from its French and Italian contemporaries, which were often more crudely executed. The meticulous engravings include soundings—measurements of water depth crucial for safe navigation—and detailed depictions of the coastline, making it an indispensable resource for sailors of the period as well as a fascinating study for modern collectors.
The Broader Context: A Mirror to the Past
This chart reflects more than just geographical information; it is a mirror to the historical and cultural dynamics of the early 1800s. The Gulf of Salerno, located in the Campania region of Italy, is rich in history and legend, with towns like Amalfi and Salerno and landmarks such as the ancient ruins of Pompeii. By including these elements, Heather’s chart not only guided sailors through these waters but also connected them to the storied past of the region, enhancing the chart’s allure and scholarly value.
A Collector’s Dream: Rarity and Legacy
Owning a piece like Heather’s chart of the Gulf of Salerno is a privilege, given its rarity and the prestige of its creator. As one of the few surviving charts from “The New Mediterranean Pilot,” it represents a significant moment in the history of cartography, particularly in the English context. This chart is more than a navigational aid; it is a historical document that has weathered the tides of time, offering a lasting legacy of the art and science of mapmaking in the turn of the 19th century.
Notable Places on This Map
- The towns of Amalfi, Salerno, and Vietri sul Mare.
- The Li Galli islands, just off the coast of Amalfi.
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Soundings indicating water depths.
- Topographical features such as mountains and rivers.
- Anchorages where ships can safely drop anchor.
- A detailed plan of the village of Amalfi.
- Locations of several points of interest, including the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii.
Historical and Design Context
- Published by William Heather in 1802 as part of “The New Mediterranean Pilot.”
- The chart is a rare example from Heather’s collection, noted for its scarcity in the market.
- Oriented with northeast at the top, using a Mercator projection for accurate navigation.
- Part of the first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean, following earlier French, Italian, and Spanish versions.
- Notably finely engraved by John Stephenson, distinguishing it from the more crudely executed French and Italian charts of the time.
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.
