Portolan Chart of the Mediterranean — Antique Nautical Chart Print

A Mediterranean portolan chart condensed centuries of hard-won maritime knowledge onto a single sheet of vellum, its coastlines refined through generation after generation of chartmakers correcting and adding to the work of their predecessors rather than starting from scratch. The finished charts were as much status objects as working tools, commissioned by wealthy merchants, naval commanders, and rulers who wanted both an accurate navigational aid and a beautiful object worthy of display. Even after printed, mathematically projected maps became widespread, hand-drawn portolan charts remained in active use by working Mediterranean sailors well into the 18th century, valued for their unmatched coastal detail.

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.