Portolano Charts
- Reference:GB 237 Coll-398
- Dates of Creation:1650
- Name of Creator:
- Language of Material:Latin
- Physical Description:1 folder 3 charts
Scope and Content
This particular small collection is composed of charts drawn by Franciscus Oliva, one of a well-known family of Italian map-makers, in Marseille in 1650. The charts are of the Aegean Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the coasts of Western Europe and North-western Africa.
Administrative / Biographical History
Between the 14th and early 17th centuries, portolan (or pilot-book) charts provided the main navigational aids between the seaports of the world. The term portolan (from the Italian 'portolano') refers to written sailing directions for seafarers. By networks of lines indicating the direction of one port from another, navigators were able to set their necessary courses. From such works, accumulated over generations, the first marine charts were drawn. Now the charts are admired as much for their decorations as their historical information. Most portolan charts of the Mediterranean were compiled in Genoa, Venice, and Majorca.
Access Information
Access should be unrestricted but please check in advance of any consultation.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Baillie Thomas Young, Edinburgh, 1690.
Subjects
Personal Names