Old Port of Antibes Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Fort Carré, Baie des Anges, Iles de Lérins

The Port of Antibes: A Nautical Chronicle from 1802

The "Port of Antibes" chart, meticulously crafted by William Heather in 1802, stands as a remarkable artifact from the era of maritime exploration and conflict. This chart is not merely a navigational aid but a detailed portrayal of one of the Mediterranean's most strategic harbors during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars. Heather, renowned for his contributions to maritime cartography, launched "The New Mediterranean Pilot," marking the first English endeavor to systematically chart the Mediterranean's ports—a project that previously saw renditions from French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. Unlike its predecessors, Heather's work is distinguished by its precision and the exquisite engravings often signed by John Stephenson, a noted London engraver of the time.

Navigational Details and Historical Context

As a nautical chart, the map emphasizes the practical details vital for sailors of the era. It meticulously notes soundings in fathoms, illustrating the depths of the waters, which was crucial for safe navigation. The inclusion of a compass rose and indications of water currents further enhance its utility. Importantly, the chart also highlights the strategic installations around Antibes, including the iconic Fort Carré, a 16th-century star-shaped fortification that played a significant role in regional defense. These features not only served navigational purposes but also provided British sailors with essential intelligence on French naval capacities and fortifications during the ongoing conflicts of the period.

Antibes and Its Surroundings

Beyond its utility for navigation and military strategy, the chart offers a glimpse into the broader geographical context of Antibes. It details not only the port itself but also the adjacent town of Antibes, founded in the 6th century BC by the Greeks. The map extends to include the scenic Baie des Anges, home to the city of Nice, and the Cap d'Antibes, a prominent headland delineating the bay from the Golfe Juan. The Iles de Lérins, a group of four islands off the coast of Cannes, are also depicted, adding to the chart’s comprehensive coverage of this historically rich region.

Design and Artistic Merit

The design of the "Port of Antibes" chart is a testament to the high standards of cartographic art in the early 19th century. Oriented with north at the top, the map’s layout and the clarity of its engravings make it not only a functional tool for navigation but also a piece of art. The fine lines and detailed renderings reflect a meticulous attention to detail that is characteristic of Heather’s charts. This artistic merit, combined with its historical value, makes the chart a prized collectible for enthusiasts of both maritime history and cartographic art.

Collectibility and Rarity

This chart of the Port of Antibes is particularly notable for its rarity. As possibly the first English printed chart of this significant Mediterranean port, it occupies a unique place in the history of cartography. The focus on such a specific and strategically important location, along with the detailed depiction of its fortifications and maritime features, makes this chart a rare find. For collectors, historians, and aficionados of nautical charts, acquiring such a piece offers not only a stunning visual and historical artifact but also an investment in the rich tapestry of maritime history.

Notable Places on This Map

• The Port of Antibes, France
• The town of Antibes, founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC
• Fort Carré, a star-shaped fort built in the 16th century
• Baie des Anges, a large bay home to the city of Nice
• Iles de Lérins, a group of four islands off the coast of Cannes
• Cap d'Antibes, a headland that separates the Baie des Anges from the Golfe Juan

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Nautical chart showing the southern coast of France in the Mediterranean Sea
• Shows soundings (numbers showing water depths in fathoms)
• Navigational aids including a compass rose, currents, and water channels
• Detailed depiction of the surrounding fortifications relevant during the Napoleonic Wars

Historical and Design Context

• Created by William Heather in 1802
• Part of Heather’s "The New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English collection of Mediterranean ports
• Notable for finely engraved charts, many signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson
• Represents a valuable historical document, providing a detailed snapshot of the port during a major strategic and commercial era

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.

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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.