North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea Chart, 1745

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This impressive map titled "Terra Neuf, en de Custen van Nieu Vranckryck, Nieuw Engeland\. Venezuela," published by Louis Renard in … Read more This impressive map titled "Terra Neuf, en de Custen van Nieu Vranckryck, Nieuw Engeland\. Venezuela," published by Louis Renard in 1745, captures the North Atlantic coastline, encompassing parts of Newfoundland, New England, and extending southward along the coast of Venezuela. The map is an adaptation of an earlier plate by the notable cartographer Frederick de Wit, and it reflects the high quality of maritime chartmaking during the early 18th century. The chart is oriented for maritime navigation, showcasing a rich network of rhumb lines, two compass roses, and two beautifully illustrated sailing ships, which are situated on the open sea, providing insight into contemporary seafaring practices. These rhumb lines, intersecting at numerous points across the map, allowed navigators to plot their courses accurately, making the map an essential tool for mariners of the period. This map also features finely drawn coastlines, with many place names and details that illustrate the geographic knowledge available to European cartographers during the era. The detailing along the shores of Newfoundland and New England is especially noteworthy, with labeled bays, islands, and key coastal features that would have been of particular importance to sailors approaching these regions. The decorative elements are a significant aspect of this map. See less