Old Brazilian Coast Nautical Chart by Heather, 1808: Rio de Janeiro, Cape Frio, Salvador

A New Chart of the Coast of Brazil: A Masterpiece of Early 19th Century Cartography

This exceptional sea chart, titled "A New Chart of the Coast of Brazil From St. Ann's Island to St. Sebastian," is a testament to the meticulous work of William Heather, a renowned British hydrographer and cartographer of the early 19th century. Created in 1802 and published in 1808, this chart captures a pivotal moment in maritime history, coinciding with the year the Portuguese royal family relocated to Rio de Janeiro amidst the Napoleonic Wars. Heather, known for his precise and detailed nautical charts, utilized surveys conducted by the Portuguese Navy, offering an unparalleled accuracy in depicting the Brazilian coastline during a time when the region was a crucial hub for both British and American maritime activities.

Detailed Depictions and Strategic Insights

The chart is meticulously detailed, showcasing the eastern coast of South America from São Luís down to Rio de Janeiro. It features an array of geographical annotations including the names of coastal towns, rivers, and strategic locations such as European forts and Amerindian tribal areas. This level of detail not only provided invaluable information for navigation but also reflected the geopolitical interests of the era, highlighting areas of economic and military significance. The inclusion of depth measurements, sandbars, and other navigational hazards further underscores the chart’s practical utility for mariners of the time.

Artistic and Functional Elements

Beyond its navigational utility, the chart is a work of art. It is oriented with north at the top and employs a subdued, earth-toned color palette that enhances its readability and aesthetic appeal. The inclusion of a compass rose and scale bars in both statute miles and leagues exemplifies Heather’s commitment to accuracy and detail. These elements, combined with the large-format design, make the chart not only a valuable tool for 19th-century sailors but also a captivating historical artifact.

Historical Context and Its Implications

The chart’s creation was significantly influenced by the socio-political dynamics of the early 1800s. The strategic importance of Brazil as a resupply point for vessels navigating around Cape Horn, and as a trade link between Britain and Portugal, is intricately captured in this chart. This was particularly crucial during a time when maritime routes were vital for economic survival and military logistics. The chart not only guided mariners but also served as a strategic map for understanding the complexities of Atlantic navigation and international relations.

A Legacy Captured in Cartography

William Heather’s chart is more than just a navigational aid; it is a rich historical document that offers a glimpse into the maritime challenges and achievements of the early 19th century. For collectors and enthusiasts of maritime history, this chart is a prized possession that encapsulates the essence of an era where sea travel was both perilous and pivotal. It stands as a tribute to the skill and dedication of cartographers like Heather, who played a critical role in shaping the understanding of the world’s most treacherous waters and the narratives of those who navigated them.

Notable Places on This Map

• Barra Grande
• Rio Grande
• Porto Seguro
• Abrolhos Shoals
• Bahia de Todos os Santos
• Itaparica Island
• Rio Vermelho
• Salvador
• Cape St. Augustine
• Rio Doce
• Espirito Santo
• Cape Frio
• Rio de Janeiro
• Ilha Grande
• Angra dos Reis
• Parati
• Ubatuba
• Sao Sebastiao

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The map is oriented with north at the top.
• Shows the eastern coast of South America, from São Luís to Rio de Janeiro.
• Includes the names of coastal towns, rivers, and islands.
• Shows the locations of several Amerindian tribes.
• Shows the locations of several European forts and settlements.
• Includes a scale bar in statute miles and leagues.
• Features a compass rose.
• Dated 1802.
• Created by William Heather.
• Published by the British Admiralty.

Historical and Design Context

• Created by William Heather, a British hydrographer and cartographer known for his detailed charts of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
• Based on surveys conducted under the auspices of the Portuguese Navy around the turn of the century.
• Useful for mariners during the early 19th century, particularly for navigating the strategic Brazilian coastlines frequented by both British and American ships.
• Coincides with the year the Portuguese royal family relocated to Rio de Janeiro, highlighting its significance during the Napoleonic Wars.
• First accurate general chart of Rio de Janeiro Harbor, reflecting its importance in maritime navigation and trade during this period.

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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.

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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.