Portolan Chart of the Mediterranean (2) — Antique Nautical Chart Print

The compass rose is the visual signature of the portolan chart, an ornamental star from which rhumb lines radiate in the thirty-two traditional wind directions, letting a navigator align a straight-edge with the correct heading between any two points. Major charts often featured multiple compass roses positioned around the sheet, their points overlapping in a dense web of lines that gives portolan charts their instantly recognizable appearance. Beyond their navigational function, the compass roses were also a canvas for the chartmaker's artistry, decorated with fleur-de-lis, stars, and vivid contrasting inks.

Materials & origin

• Material: 200 gsm gallery-grade, acid-free fine-art paper (FSC-certified).
• Print: Archival giclée, 12-colour printing, smooth matte finish for glare-free display.
• Artwork: Restored from a public-domain original; colour and detail digitally cleaned for large-format print.
• Origin: Made on demand and shipped from the print hub nearest you, cutting transit and waste.
• Framing: Sold unframed; ships rolled in a protective tube.