Bay of Saint Helena: French Naval Chart by N.B. Ingénieur de la Marine, ca.1770
€ 140
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1770
Sheet size
25 × 19 cm (9.8 × 7.5 in)
Reference
BG-03521
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
The map is in good condition, with minimal foxing and clear, crisp engraving lines. The paper is well-preserved, maintaining its original texture and quality.
About this sheet
Bay of Saint Helena: French Naval Chart by N.B. Ingénieur de la Marine, 18th Century
This meticulously detailed copper engraving, titled 'Carte de la Baye de Sainte Helene' (Map of the Bay of Saint Helena), was drawn by N.B., an engineer of the French Navy (Ingénieur de la Marine). The map was created based on the navigational observations of mariners and published in the 18th century, most likely in France. It offers a precise and practical representation of Saint Helena Bay, a crucial anchorage point in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Saint Helena Bay, located on the island of Saint Helena, was an important stopover for ships sailing between Europe and Asia, particularly for Dutch and British vessels during the Age of Exploration and the later colonial period. Its significance was further heightened when the island became the final exile location of Napoleon Bonaparte from 1815 to 1821.
The map shows the bay with impressive attention to detail, depicting the coastline with numerous soundings marked in French and English leagues (Lieues Marines de France et d'Angleterre), allowing navigators to gauge the water depth and avoid hazards. The bay’s natural topography, including hills and coastal elevations, is rendered in delicate engraving lines. A large central peak dominates the landscape, surrounded by rugged terrain, while a smaller inlet and river (Riviere) are also shown, highlighting the complex geography of the bay.
A decorative fleur-de-lis compass rose marks the left side of the chart, indicating orientation and providing a clear sense of direction for mariners. The map's clean and elegant design reflects the French cartographic tradition of combining functional navigation aids with aesthetic appeal.
The chart includes practical features such as scale indicators and coastal profiles that help sailors recognize the bay from a distance. The detailed soundings marked throughout the bay make this map an invaluable tool for understanding the navigational challenges of the area, particularly for large, heavily laden ships.
This rare chart belongs to a series of marine maps produced during the 18th century, capturing the strategic and geographic significance of Saint Helena during a period when European powers vied for control over global trade routes. Such maps not only served as practical guides for mariners but also as scientific documents reflecting the advancements in naval cartography and maritime exploration.
Framing tips: To enhance the historical appeal and protect its condition, consider framing the chart with a classic dark wood or ebony frame, complemented by a cream or light tan mat that underscores the print’s maritime heritage and antique charm.
