Old Port of Savona Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Harbor, Citadel, Convent
The Port of Savona: A Masterpiece of Maritime Cartography
Immerse yourself in the intricate details of “The Port of Savona,” a rare and meticulously crafted chart from the esteemed British hydrographer, William Heather. Published in 1802 as part of Heather’s groundbreaking work, “The New Mediterranean Pilot,” this chart is not only a navigational aid but a historical artifact capturing the essence of Savona, Italy, during the early 19th century. The map is celebrated for its precise depiction of the coastal and maritime features, including soundings, anchorages, and the strategic layout of the harbor, making it an invaluable resource for both contemporary mariners and historians alike.
Detailed Engravings and Navigational Precision
The chart stands out for its finely engraved details, a hallmark of Heather’s cartographic style. Oriented with northwest at the top, it features a detailed plan of the harbor, alongside depictions of significant landmarks such as the palace, convent, and port castle. Each element is rendered with such precision that it allows the viewer to visualize the bustling activity of this historic port. The inclusion of soundings and topographical features further enhances its utility and aesthetic appeal, showcasing Heather’s commitment to accuracy and detail in maritime charting.
A Glimpse into Savona’s Rich Historical Tapestry
Beyond its navigational utility, the chart serves as a window into the past, offering insights into the urban and architectural development of Savona at the turn of the 19th century. Notable features such as the citadel, church, hospital, market, and customs house are all meticulously marked, providing a comprehensive view of the city’s key components. This chart not only maps geographical locations but also delineates the cultural and economic landscape of Savona during a pivotal era in its history.
Rare and Coveted Collectible
This chart’s rarity amplifies its allure among collectors and enthusiasts of maritime history. As one of the few surviving charts from “The New Mediterranean Pilot,” it represents a unique piece of cartographic history. The scarcity of Heather’s charts on the market today further elevates its status as a prized collectible, cherished for both its artistic merit and its historical significance. This exclusivity makes it an exceptional addition to any collection of maritime or historical artifacts.
Legacy of William Heather and His Cartographic Innovations
William Heather’s contribution to the field of hydrography, particularly with his focus on the Mediterranean, marked a significant evolution in the quality and accuracy of nautical charts. His work not only filled a gap left by earlier French and Italian cartographers but also set new standards in the art of chart making. The “Port of Savona” is a testament to Heather’s pioneering spirit and his collaboration with notable engravers like John Stephenson, whose monogram adorns this exquisite chart. This piece is not just a map, but a celebration of cartographic artistry and historical exploration, making it an invaluable acquisition for connoisseurs and historians alike.
Notable Places on This Map
- The coastline of Savona, Italy
- The entrance to the port of Savona
- The location of the town of Savona
- The location of the citadel of Savona
- The location of the convent of Savona
- The location of the palace of Savona
- The location of the church of Savona
- The location of the hospital of Savona
- The location of the market of Savona
- The location of the customs house of Savona
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Detailed soundings for navigational precision
- Topographical features of the surrounding area
- Anchorages indicating safe mooring spots
- A meticulously detailed plan of the harbor
- Representation of significant buildings like the palace and convent
- Port castle depicted as a key defensive structure
Historical and Design Context
- Part of “The New Mediterranean Pilot” published by William Heather in 1802
- Represents an early English attempt at charting Mediterranean ports
- Notable for its fine engraving and detailed execution
- Rare chart, seldom seen on the market
- Oriented with northwest at the top, a unique feature for its time
- Engraved by John Stephenson, highlighting the craftsmanship in its creation
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.
