Portolan Chart Collection (#2)

MAP OF THE MOLUCCAS. Also known as Spice Islands, at left, from the Vallard Atlas, c1547

INDIAN OCEAN: MAP, 1705. Dutch engraved map, 1705, of the Indian Ocean

MAP: PORTOLAN ATLAS, c1545. Portolan Atlas showing the Caribbean, Central America, and North and South America, by Pierre Desceliers, c1545

NEW ENGLAND: MAP. John Smiths map of New England, 1616

MADAGASCAR MAP, 1662. Map of Madagascar from Johannes Blaeus Atlas Major
MADAGASCAR MAP, 1662. Map of Madagascar from Johannes Blaeus " Atlas Major, " Amsterdam, 1662

SOUTH ASIA MAP, 1662. Detail of a map of the East Indian archipelago from Johannes Blaeus Atlas Major published, 1662
SOUTH ASIA MAP, 1662. Detail of a map of the East Indian archipelago from Johannes Blaeus " Atlas Major" published, 1662, at Amsterdam

EAST INDIES MAP, 1670. Detail of a chart of the East Indies (oriented with north at the left) by John Seller, 1670

MAP: EAST INDIES, 1670. Chart of the East Indies (oriented with north at the left) by John Seller, 1670

COSA: WORLD MAP, 1500. Upper part of the western half of the world map, 1500, of Juan de la Cosa, navigator on the Nina on Christopher Columbus second voyage of 1493-94

BRAZIL: MAP AND NATIVE INDIANS. Map of Brazil from the Vallard Atlas, c1547; the map, drawn " upside-down" as if viewed from North America

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A portolan chart is a type of navigational map that was commonly used by sailors during the 13th to 16th centuries. These charts were highly detailed and accurate, providing crucial information about coastlines, harbors, and landmarks. One notable example is "The Selden Map of China, " created by an anonymous Chinese master. This map, dating back to the early 17th century, showcases the intricate knowledge of Chinese cartographers at the time. Another significant portolan chart is "Vespucci's World Map" from 1526. Created by Juan Vespucci, this map depicts various continents and provides valuable insights into geographical understanding during that era. The "Cantino World Map" from 1502 displays the western half of the world according to Portuguese explorers' knowledge at that time. It highlights their discoveries in Africa and South America. Thomas Jefferys' engraved map of The Caribee Islands in 1775 offers a glimpse into English exploration in the Caribbean region during colonial times. Juan de la Cosa's "Nina: World Map" from around 1500 showcases his experiences as a navigator on Christopher Columbus' second voyage aboard the Nina ship. "The Cantino Planisphere, " an anonymous masterpiece from 1502, reveals Portugal's extensive maritime knowledge during its Age of Discovery. A Portuguese map from 1519 focuses on Brazil between the Amazon River and Rio de la Plata. It demonstrates early European exploration efforts in South America. In another Portuguese map from 1565 depicting Brazil, native Indians are shown harvesting brazilwood trees—a valuable resource at that time—providing insight into indigenous cultures encountered by European explorers. Portolan charts also covered regions beyond Europe; for instance, one shows navigation routes through China, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Philippines along with Tropics lines around mid-16th century These maps were essential tools for sailors, providing accurate information for safe navigation.