alb5407151

Portolan Chart, Eastern Mediterranean,1590s

Portolan chart of the Eastern Mediterranean. Portolan charts are navigational maps based on compass directions and estimated distances observed by the pilots at sea. They were first made in the 13th century in Italy, and later in Spain and Portugal, with later 15th and 16th century charts noted for their cartographic accuracy. With the advent of widespread competition among seagoing nations during the Age of Discovery, Portugal and Spain considered such maps to be state secrets. The English and Dutch, relative newcomers, found the description of Atlantic and Indian coastlines extremely valuable for their raiding, and later trading, ships. Attributed to Joan Oliva active 1580-1615. Joan Oliva was the most prolific member of a large family of Catalan chart makers. Charts signed by at least sixteen members of the Oliva family are recorded, with dates between 1538 and 1673.

Share
Pinterest
Twitter
Facebook
Copy link
Email

Add to another lightbox

Do you already have an account? Sign in

You do not have an account? Register

Buy this image

Title:

Portolan Chart, Eastern Mediterranean,1590s

Caption:

Portolan chart of the Eastern Mediterranean. Portolan charts are navigational maps based on compass directions and estimated distances observed by the pilots at sea. They were first made in the 13th century in Italy, and later in Spain and Portugal, with later 15th and 16th century charts noted for their cartographic accuracy. With the advent of widespread competition among seagoing nations during the Age of Discovery, Portugal and Spain considered such maps to be state secrets. The English and Dutch, relative newcomers, found the description of Atlantic and Indian coastlines extremely valuable for their raiding, and later trading, ships. Attributed to Joan Oliva active 1580-1615. Joan Oliva was the most prolific member of a large family of Catalan chart makers. Charts signed by at least sixteen members of the Oliva family are recorded, with dates between 1538 and 1673.

Credit:

Album / Science Source / LOC/Geography and Map Division

Releases:

Model: No - Property: No
Rights questions?

Image size:

3148 x 4500 px | 40.5 MB

Print size:

26.7 x 38.1 cm | 10.5 x 15.0 in (300 dpi)

Keywords:

1590S • 16 16TH XVI XVITH SIXTEENTH CENTURY • 16TH CENTURY • AGE OF DISCOVERY • CARTOGRAPHY • CATALAN CHART • CATALAN • CELEBRITY • COMPASS DIRECTIONS • EASTERN MEDITERANEAN • FAMOUS • GEOGRAPHY • HISTORY • JOAN OLIVA • MAP MAKING • MAP • MAPMAKING • MEDITERANEAN SEA • MEDITERANEAN • NAVIGATION • NAVIGATIONAL MAP • PORTOLAN CHART • SPANISH