Old Harbour of Genoa, Italy Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Lanterna, Fortifications, Palazzo

Exquisite Cartographic Detail: "The Harbor of Genoa" by William Heather

Dive into the rich maritime history of the Mediterranean with the splendid nautical chart, "The Harbor of Genoa," crafted by the esteemed cartographer William Heather in 1802. This chart is not merely a navigational tool but a piece of art, showcasing the intricate coastline of Genoa, Italy. Heather's work stands out in the realm of cartography for its precision and aesthetic quality, marking a significant English contribution to Mediterranean maritime charts, a field previously dominated by French and Italian mapmakers. The chart features detailed depictions of the harbor, including soundings, anchorages, and notable structures such as the iconic Lanterna lighthouse and various Genoese fortifications, offering a window into the strategic maritime defenses of the era.

A Gateway to Genoa's Maritime Strength

"The Harbor of Genoa" provides an exceptional visual representation of Genoa’s complex harbor defenses and urban structure during the early 19th century. The map details both the new and old ramparts, essential for understanding the historical context of Genoa's military and maritime evolution. It also illustrates the locations of significant batteries and the planned extensions of the city's fortifications, reflecting the ongoing enhancements in response to the naval demands and threats of the time. This chart is not only a tool for historical inquiry but also serves as a testament to Genoa’s importance as a formidable maritime power in the Mediterranean.

Navigational Mastery and Artistic Craftsmanship

William Heather’s chart is a masterpiece of nautical chart style, renowned for its finely engraved details, a hallmark of quality that sets it apart from its French and Italian predecessors. The engravings, many signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson, highlight the superior craftsmanship involved in the chart’s creation. Each element, from the depiction of the moles to the delineation of the harbor’s contours, is rendered with precision, making it a valuable resource for both contemporary navigators and modern collectors.

Historical Significance and Rarity

This chart is particularly valuable due to its rarity and historical significance as part of Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English endeavor to comprehensively chart the ports of the Mediterranean. The inclusion of "The Harbor of Genoa" in this pilot marks a pivotal moment in nautical cartography, bridging the gap between English and Continental maritime mapping practices. For collectors and historians alike, acquiring such a chart offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of maritime history that is seldom seen on the market today.

A Collector's Dream and Scholar's Treasure

For connoisseurs of cartography and history, "The Harbor of Genoa" is a must-have. Its detailed portrayal of one of Italy's most significant maritime cities, combined with its historical context and the craftsmanship of its creation, makes it a standout piece. This chart is not just a map but a portal to the past, offering insights into the strategic importance and vibrant life of Genoa's harbor at the dawn of the 19th century. Owning this chart is akin to possessing a rare artifact, cherished not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its cultural and historical value.

What can be seen on this map

• Coastal Towns
• Genoa
• Harbours
• The Harbor of Genoa
• Large Structures
• Palazzo Ducale
• Lanterna
• Mole Lighthouse
• Darsena
• Porta Soprana
• Porta dei Vacca
• Porta Pila
• Castelletto
• Forte Sperone
• Forte Begato
• Forte Quezzi
• Forte Tenaglia
• Forte Diamante
• Forte San Giorgio
• Forte San Benigno
• Topographical Features
• Apennines

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The title of the map is "The Harbor of Genoa"
• The map shows the coastline of Genoa, Italy.
• The map shows the location of the city of Genoa.
• The map shows the location of the harbor of Genoa.
• The map shows the location of the lighthouse in Genoa.
• The map shows the location of the batteries in Genoa.
• The map shows the location of the new ramparts in Genoa.
• The map shows the location of the old ramparts in Genoa.
• The map shows the location of the intended length in Genoa.

Historical and design context

• The map was created by William Heather in 1802.
• The map was published in Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot..., published in London in 1802.
• This chart is part of Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot, the first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean.
• The French and Italian versions were of relatively crude execution, but Heather’s version is notable for the finely engraved charts, many signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson.
• The charts from Heather's New Mediterranean Pilot... are extremely rare on the market.
• This is the first example of the chart we have ever seen.

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.

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.