Portolan chart of the Mediterranean Sea
Unlike the standard portolans of the time which were usually covered with rich and colorful motifs, this one has little decoration. It shows the Mediterranean Sea. Only the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula has been drawn and the course system originates between Sicily and Greece.The map features an image of the Virgin and Child, which was commonplace for medieval portolans. Next to it is an inscription:
joan martines (? – ?)
Discover Joan Martínez, a 16th-century Spanish cartographer famed for his detailed & influential Mediterranean portolan chart – a vital historical map.
Naval Museum (Madrid, Spain)
Explore Spain's naval heritage at the Naval Museum of Madrid! Discover impressive collections, stunning stained-glass roofs & architectural grandeur showcasing maritime history from the Renaissance to modern times.
About this artwork
- Title: Portolan chart of the Mediterranean Sea
- Artist: joan martines
- Year: 1565
- Format: Panoramic
- Copyright status: Under copyright
- Where to see it: Naval Museum
- Movement: Renaissance
- Color palette: Neutrals
- Main color: Driftwood
- Keywords: collectible maps , mediterranean map , 16th century map


