Old Nautical Map of Easter Island, 1870

Rapa Nuí ó Isla de Pascua, a captivating nautical chart crafted by Francisco Vidal Gormaz in 1870, offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the storied past of Easter Island. This black and white lithograph, part of a larger atlas focused on Chile's hydrographic exploration, is a testament to Gormaz's meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to capturing the intricate geography of this remote island. The map beautifully illustrates the island's topography, drainage, and shorelines, providing a comprehensive view of its natural features.

Francisco Vidal Gormaz, a renowned figure in Chilean hydrographic exploration, was instrumental in documenting the diverse landscapes of the Araucanía region. His work, including this chart of Easter Island, reflects a period of exploration and incorporation of the region into Chilean territory. Gormaz's maps are not just geographical documents; they are cultural artifacts that capture the essence of a land rich in history and indigenous heritage.

The map of Easter Island showcases the island's dramatic relief using hachures, a technique that brings the island's mountainous terrain to life. It includes detailed depictions of the island's coastal areas, soundings, and anchorage points, offering invaluable insights into the maritime landscape of the time. The compass rose and coordinate points further enhance the map's navigational utility, making it a vital tool for explorers of the era.

Easter Island, known for its enigmatic moai statues, is presented in this map with a focus on its natural geography. While the map highlights the island's shorelines and topographical features, it also subtly hints at the cultural significance of this isolated land. The map serves as a window into a world where nature and history intertwine, offering a unique perspective on one of the world's most mysterious islands.

This historical chart is more than just a map; it is a narrative of exploration and discovery. It invites the viewer to delve into the rich tapestry of Easter Island's past, guided by the skilled hand of Francisco Vidal Gormaz. This map is a treasure for collectors and history enthusiasts alike, offering a rare glimpse into the maritime and cultural heritage of Chile's most iconic island.

Cities and towns on this map

• Easter Island (Chile):
• Mata Teohera
• Hanga Roa (Note: Not explicitly labeled on this map, but it's the main town on Easter Island today)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of Water:
• Shorelines and coastal areas
• Mountains:
• Depicted using hachures
• Other Notable Features:
• Compass rose
• Coordinate points
• Soundings and anchorage areas

Historical and design context

• Date Created: January 1870
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Francisco Vidal Gormaz
• Themes and Topics:
• Nautical chart detailing Easter Island.
• Part of a larger atlas focusing on the hydrographic exploration of Chile's coast and rivers.
• Design/Style:
• Black and white lithograph.
• Features hachures for relief, coordinate points, bar scale, and compass rose.
• Historical Significance:
• Part of a period of exploration and incorporation of the Araucanía region into Chile.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.