Rare Old Pictorial Map of Cadiz by Aveline, 1700: Castillo de San Sebastián, Catedral, Plaza de España

Embark on a captivating journey back to the dawn of the 18th century with the exquisite "Cadiz" map, a masterpiece crafted by the illustrious Pierre Aveline. Renowned for his precision and artistry, Aveline's work transports us to Cadiz, a city poised gracefully on a peninsula in the sun-drenched Andalusia region of southern Spain. This copperplate engraving, devoid of Aveline's typical title and description, stands out for its meticulous detail and the vibrant life it captures. The bustling port, teeming with ships, and the city's intricate layout are depicted with remarkable accuracy, offering a window into the strategic and economic significance of Cadiz during a period of maritime exploration and trade.

Pierre Aveline, a beacon of the 18th-century cartographic world, was celebrated for his views that combined technical skill with aesthetic beauty. His portrayal of Cadiz is no exception, showcasing not just a city, but a vibrant, living entity. The map's bird's eye view allows for an immersive exploration of Cadiz's neighborhoods, from the historic Barrio del Pópulo to the maritime gateway of El Puerto de Santa María. Each district tells its own story, woven into the fabric of the city's cobblestone streets and fortified walls, inviting the viewer to ponder the daily lives of its inhabitants centuries ago.

The map is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, meticulously engraved to highlight Cadiz's architectural and cultural heritage. Noteworthy are the majestic Catedral de Cádiz and the serene Iglesia de San Antonio, each a testament to the city's rich religious and artistic legacy. The formidable Castillo de San Sebastián and Castillo de San Lorenzo del Puntal stand guard at the water's edge, symbols of Cadiz's strategic importance in defense against invaders from the sea. These fortifications, along with the dynamic portrayal of canons firing, underscore the perpetual dance between creation and conflict that has shaped the city's history.

Beyond its historical and architectural significance, the map invites viewers to explore the verdant spaces that offer respite and recreation within the urban landscape. The Alameda Apodaca and Parque Genovés are beautifully rendered, their lush foliage and tranquil paths providing a contrast to the bustling port and dense urban areas. These green spaces, integral to the city's layout and social life, reflect the broader European appreciation for nature and public gardens during the period, emphasizing the map's value as a document of urban planning and cultural values.

In summary, the "Cadiz" map by Pierre Aveline is not merely a cartographic artifact; it is a portal to the past, offering a richly detailed glimpse into the life of an 18th-century Spanish port city. Its historical accuracy, combined with the artistic finesse of its creator, makes it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Through its streets, fortifications, and public squares, the map narrates the story of Cadiz, a city that has withstood the test of time, its spirit captured forever in the delicate lines and shades of Aveline's copperplate engraving.

Certainly, let's organize the key details about the "Cadiz" map into easily digestible bullet points for potential customers.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Neighbourhoods: La Punta, Barrio del Pópulo, El Puerto de Santa María, San Fernando
• Fortifications: Castillo de San Sebastián, Castillo de San Lorenzo del Puntal, Fuerte de San Felipe, Fuerte de San Fernando
• Churches: Catedral de Cádiz, Iglesia de San Antonio, Iglesia de Santa María
• Other landmarks: Plaza de España, Plaza de Mina, Alameda Apodaca, Parque Genovés

Historical and design context

• Title: "Cadiz"
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Pierre Aveline, one of the foremost viewmakers of the 18th century.
• Date: 1700
• Design/Style: Copperplate engraving, detailed and accurate representation of the city of Cadiz.
• Historical significance: Provides a detailed and accurate snapshot of the city of Cadiz in the 18th century, valuable as both a historical document and a beautiful work of art.
• Topics/Themes: Pictorial map of the city of Cadiz, showing the city's strategic location on a peninsula with detailed depictions of the bay, ocean, city walls, towers, and buildings.

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 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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

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 in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) 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).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

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 are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

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 on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.