Rare Old Naval Map of Cadiz by Waghenaer, 1583: Strait of Gibraltar, Cadiz, Lisbon, Sea Monsters, Sailing Ships

Embark on a historical voyage with the "Zee Custen van Andaluzien ghemaeckt naet wesen en ghedaente, met zijn Rivieren en Hauenen," a breathtaking map crafted in 1583 by the renowned Dutch cartographer Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer. This exquisite piece is not merely a navigational tool but a window into the Age of Discovery, capturing the southwestern coast of Spain in unparalleled detail. From the bustling Bay of Cadiz to the strategic Strait of Gibraltar at the map's zenith, every inch of this chart is a testament to the era's navigational prowess and the allure of Andalusia's coast. The inclusion of the cities of Cadiz and Sevilla, along with the unmarked neighborhoods of Lisbon, offers a unique glimpse into the urban and maritime landscape of the 16th century, making it a fascinating piece for enthusiasts of urban cartography.

Waghenaer, a pioneer in the field of nautical charting, presents us with the "Spiegel der Zeevaerdt," the first in a series of effective navigational charts that revolutionized maritime exploration. His work is not only significant for its technical accuracy but also for its artistic merit. The map is adorned with vibrant colors, two decorative cartouches, and detailed illustrations that include a pair of majestic sailing ships, a compass rose, and even mythical sea monsters lurking in the waters near the Iberian Peninsula. These elements not only add to the map's visual appeal but also reflect the period's blend of knowledge and mythology, making it a captivating piece for collectors and historians alike.

The strategic importance of the depicted regions cannot be overstated. The Strait of Gibraltar, prominently featured at the top of the map, has been a critical maritime passage for centuries, serving as the gateway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The cities of Cadiz and Sevilla, with their rich histories of trade and exploration, are intricately rendered, offering insights into their significance during a time when Spain was at the height of its global power. The absence of detailed neighborhoods in Lisbon highlights the map's focus on coastal and navigational features, yet it invites the viewer to ponder the unseen intricacies of these historic cities.

Waghenaer's mastery is further evidenced by the inclusion of soundings and anchorages, crucial details for the seafarers of his time. These annotations, alongside the profiles of the coastline, demonstrate an advanced understanding of the region's maritime geography, making this map an indispensable tool for navigators. The presence of a small world map and a detailed depiction of the Iberian Peninsula serve as reminders of the broader context of exploration and conquest in which this chart was created, linking local maritime knowledge with global ambitions.

In conclusion, Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer's map is more than a navigational aid; it is a masterpiece of Renaissance cartography and a symbol of the era's thirst for exploration. Its detailed portrayal of significant landmarks, rivers, and coastal profiles, combined with the artistic flourishes that capture the imagination, make it an essential acquisition for collectors and aficionados of historical maps. As the earliest decorative sea chart of the region, it not only marks a pivotal moment in the history of cartography but also serves as a lasting tribute to the maritime heritage of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

I'm sorry for any confusion, but it appears there was a misunderstanding in the request. The original information provided about the map did not include specific sections titled "Streets and roads on this map" or similar headings directly related to streets, roads, notable features, or historical and design context in a bulleted format. However, based on the detailed description provided earlier, I can extract and organize relevant information into the requested bullet point format under the specified headlines.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations:
• There is a ship illustration in the bottom right corner of the map.
• There is a compass rose in the center of the map.
• There are two sea monsters in the ocean near the bottom of the map.
• Landmarks:
• The Strait of Gibraltar is located at the top of the map.
• The city of Cadiz is located on the southern coast of Spain.
• The city of Lisbon is located on the western coast of Portugal.

Historical and design context

• Title: Zee Custen van Andaluzien ghemaeckt naet wesen en ghedaente, met zijn Rivieren en Hauenen
• Date: 1583
• Mapmaker: Lucas Janszoon Waghenaer
• Striking full color example of Wagenhaer's map of the southwestern coast of Spain, including the Bay of Cadiz.
• Extends inland to Sevilla and south to Cadiz, with northeast at the top of the map.
• Includes a sea monster, 2 sailing ships, a compass rose, and 2 decorative cartouches, soundings, and anchorages. Profiles of the coastline are shown.
• Wagenhaer was a Dutch pilot who produced the first set of effective navigational charts, under the title Spiegel der Zeevaerdt. These charts set the standard for sea charts for more than a century.
• An essential map for collectors of the region and the earliest decorative sea chart of the region.
• Design and style: Hand-drawn, colored, decorative, sea chart.
• Historical significance: One of the first accurate sea charts, highly sought after by collectors.

This structured approach allows for a quick overview of the map's key aspects, from its notable features and landmarks to the historical and design context that makes it a valuable collector's item.

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 90in (230cm). 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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.