Chart of Mediterranean Sea, with part of the Black Sea

K0997

Chart of Mediterranean Sea, with part of the Black Sea Long Caption: This is a 'Portulan' or 'Portolan' chart. These charts originated in the Mediterranean in the thirteenth century and take their name from the written sailing directions, 'portolani', which they supplemented and superseded. They were drawn and painted on vellum, using a network of intersecting rhumb (direction) lines radiating out from compass roses. Characteristic features include place names tightly packed onto the coast, together with flags and banners and vignettes of cities. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: G230:1/8 Artist: Placido Caloiro y Oliva Date: 1626 Medium: vellum Size: 680 mm x 430 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.