Old Atlantic Ocean Nautical Chart by Mount, 1766: Coasts, Rhumb Lines, Compass Rose

Discover the allure of maritime history with this exquisite nautical chart of the Atlantic Ocean, originally crafted in 1766 by renowned publishers John Mount and Thomas Page. This map, a part of "The English Pilot: Part V," is a testament to the artistry and precision of 18th-century cartography. It captures the vast expanse of the Atlantic, or "The Western Ocean," detailing the intricate coastlines of Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The map serves as a window into the past, offering a glimpse of the world as it was navigated by explorers and traders.

The chart is adorned with decorative cartouches and features a prominent compass rose, guiding the viewer through the ocean's vast expanse. Rhumb lines crisscross the map, illustrating the navigational routes that were vital for seafarers of the time. The inclusion of soundings, indicating water depths in fathoms, underscores the map's practical use for maritime navigation. This blend of functionality and beauty makes it a captivating piece for any collector or history enthusiast.

John Mount's contribution to nautical charts was significant, as he helped shape the way maritime navigation was conducted during the 18th century. His maps were not only tools for navigation but also works of art, meticulously engraved and richly detailed. This particular chart highlights the coasts of Africa, from the English Channel to the Cape of Good Hope, providing invaluable information for sailors navigating these treacherous waters.

The map's design reflects the artistic style of the period, with pictorial depictions of topography and vegetation. Coastal towns, ports, and islands are carefully labeled, offering insight into the geopolitical landscape of the time. Notable regions such as the Caribbean, the Azores, and the Canary Islands are prominently featured, emphasizing their importance in trade and exploration.

This nautical chart is more than just a map; it is a historical document that tells the story of exploration, trade, and the interconnectedness of continents. It captures the spirit of adventure and discovery that defined an era, making it a remarkable addition to any collection. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a lover of history, this map offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of the past.

Notable places on this map

• North America: Includes regions like Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.
• South America: Notable areas include Terra Firma and the Amazon.
• Europe: Coastal regions are depicted, including parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
• Africa: The western coast is detailed, with several port cities labeled.
• The Caribbean: Islands such as Cuba and Hispaniola are visible.
• The Azores: Located in the North Atlantic Ocean.
• Canary Islands: Off the northwest coast of Africa.
• Cape Verde: An island country in the central Atlantic Ocean.
• Strait of Gibraltar: The entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.
• Cape of Good Hope: A prominent navigational landmark at the southern tip of Africa.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Depicts the Atlantic Ocean, referred to as "The Western Ocean."
• Includes detailed coastlines of Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
• Rhumb lines are prominently featured, aiding in navigation.
• A large compass rose is centered on the map, with north oriented at the top.
• Decorative cartouches are present, adding artistic elements.
• Soundings indicate water depths in fathoms.
• The map shows the Tropic of Capricorn.
• Coastal towns and ports are labeled along the African and American coastlines.
• Part of "The English Pilot" series, a key navigational resource.
• Pictorial representations of topography and vegetation.

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1766
• Mapmaker/Publisher: John Mount and Thomas Page, London
• Mapmaker context: John Mount was a prominent publisher in the 18th century, known for his contributions to nautical charts and atlases.
• Themes: Focuses on the coasts of Africa and its vicinity, spanning from the English Channel to the Strait of Gibraltar and extending to the Cape of Good Hope.
• Design/Style: Relief depicted pictorially with decorative cartouches and detailed engravings.
• Historical significance: Part of a larger collection of sea charts that were crucial for navigation and trade during the 17th to 19th centuries.

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 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.

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.