'Plan of the Harbour of Genoa'
Napoleonic War-era antique engraved nautical chart, 1805
Originally published in "Le Petit Neptune Français; or, French Coasting Pilot", a British naval intelligence atlas compiled and published by William Faden, Britain’s leading military mapmaker, on the eve of war with Revolutionary France. First issued in 1793, the year Britain entered the conflict, it was designed to meet the Royal Navy’s urgent need for accurate and practical intelligence on the French coast and adjacent waters. Drawing on French hydrographic surveys, British naval reconnaissance, captured charts, and Admiralty intelligence associated with figures such as Alexander Dalrymple, the atlas focuses on harbours, anchorages, shoals, soundings, and coastal defences rather than decorative presentation. Despite its French title, it was produced in London for British officers and reflects a deliberate appropriation of French nautical knowledge for wartime use. The atlas was repeatedly revised as the conflict continued, culminating in the third edition of 1805, carefully updated by J. F. Dessiou, R.N., during the height of the Napoleonic invasion threat. Extending from Flanders to the Mediterranean, Italy, Corsica, and Sicily, Le Petit Neptune Français stands as a highly purposeful cartographic record of Britain’s maritime war with France.
CAPTION BELOW PICTURE: 'Plan of the Harbour of Genoa'
DATE PRINTED: Dated 1793. This edition published 1805
IMAGE SIZE: Approx 22.5 x 32.5cm, 8.75 x 12.75 inches (Large); Please note that this is a folding map.
ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: William Faden
PROVENANCE: "Le Petit Neptune Français; or, French Coasting Pilot, for the Coast of Flanders (Belgium), Channel, the Bay of Biscay, and Mediterranean. To which is added, the Coast of Italy from the River Var to Cape Spartivento; with the North Coast of Sicily, and the Island of Corsica; illustrated with forty charts and plans", the third edition, carefully revised and augmented, by J. F. Dessiou, Master, of the Royal Navy. London: Printed by William Bulmer and Co. for W. Faden, Geographer to His Majesty, and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Charing-Cross. 1805
TYPE: Napoleonic War-era antique engraved nautical chart
VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is plain
CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Please contact us if you would like to arrange to view this map. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not obtrusive unless otherwise stated. I offer a no questions asked return policy - see below.
AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic historic print, published at the date stated above. I do not offer reproductions. It is not a modern copy. The term 'original' when applied to a print means that it was printed at the first or original date of publication; it does not imply that the item is unique. 'Print' means any image created by applying an inked block to paper or card under pressure by any method including wood engraving, steel engraving, copperplate, wood cut and lithography.
REMARKS: FRANCE: Gravures et Cartes anciennes. DEUTSCHLAND: Alte Lankarten und Stadt ansichten. ITALIA: Stampe e Mappe antiche. ESPAÑA: Mapas antiquos y impresiones antiguas. E and OE. Force Majeure. English law shall apply.
RETURNS POLICY: I offer a no questions returns policy. All I ask is that you pay return shipping and mail back to me in original condition, suitably packed & insured, within 14 days of receipt.