Direccion Hidrografia
1809

Puerto de Matanzas, Cuba

Puerto de Matanzas

DESCRIPTION: Scarce antique copperplate-engraved harbor chart of the Bay of Matanzas, Cuba on the northern coast of the island. Shows the then tiny Pueblo de San Carlos de Matanzas. Key features include Rio de Matanzas, Rio de Yumuris, Rio Canima, and the Castillo de San Severino, built in 1735. Bombed by the British in 1762, it was rebuilt in the 1770s. The Castillo became an offloading point for slaves and today is the site of the slavery-themed Museo de la Ruta de los Esclavos.

Published in 1809, this rare chart was one of 34 charts of Cuban ports published by the Spanish Admiralty, the Direccion Hidrografia, in the sea atlas "Portolano de la America Setentrional Construido en la Direccion Detrabajos Hidrograficos". A fine example with careful, delicate engraving and a wide platemark on high-quality paper. Distance scale is in cables. Engraved by J.C. Part 3, Cuba. Plate #29.

Reference: Materiales para una Cartografia Mexicana. Manuel Orozco y Berra. 1871. p. 216.

CREATOR: Direccion Hidrografia

PUBLICATION DATE: 1809

GEOGRAPHIC AREA: Cuba

BODY OF WATER: Caribbean

CONDITION: Good. On heavy wove paper. Slightly grubby with a strong impression.

COLORING: None

ENGRAVER: J.C.

SIZE: 10 " x 7 "

ITEM PHYSICAL LOCATION: 77

PRICE: $400

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