This detailed chart of Kandalaksha Bay in the White Sea is a product of the pioneering survey of Captain Lieutenant Reinecke, which would appear in the extremely rare Atlas of the White Sea (Атлас Белого моря), the product of Reinecke's 6 years of work in the region.
The map depicts Kandalaksha Bay, a significant bay in the northwestern part of the White Sea, located in the Arctic Ocean, north of Russia. This bay is notable for its islands, fjords, and the Kandalaksha Reserve, a protected area known for its seabirds and marine life. The map provides intricate details on the surrounding topography, coastline, and navigational depth soundings, which are critical for naval operations and exploration.
The map includes three inset maps that provide more detailed charts of specific areas:
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"Рейдъ Села Ковыды" (Harbor of Kovda Village): This inset was based on the observations of Lieutenant Maikov in 1831. It shows the detailed topography and depth soundings near the village of Kovda, including important landmarks and the harbor layout. The title transcribes as "Рейдъ Села Ковыды, по описанiямъ Лейтенанта Майкова въ 1831 году."
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"Рейдъ Села Керети" (Harbor of Keret Village): Based on surveys conducted by the frigate Latanika in 1831, this inset map details the Keret harbor, showing the surrounding islands, rocks, and water depth near Keret village. The title is "Рейдъ Села Керети, описанъ на гребныхъ судахъ фрегата Латаника въ 1831 году."
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"Карта Заливовъ около реки Умы" (Map of the Bays around the Uma River): This inset, based on the surveys of midshipmen Kraskov and Navigator Nashetzov from 1830 to 1831, shows the Uma River’s estuary and surrounding bays. It provides in-depth topographical and navigational information crucial for sailors and explorers. The title is "Карта Заливовъ около реки Умы, съ описей Мичмана Краскова и Штурмана Нажетцова въ 1830 и 1831 годах."
The map was created and published in 1834 by the Hydrographic Department of the Russian Navy, under the Imperial supervision of Captain Lieutenant Reinecke. The astronomical coordinates of key points such as Kandalaksha, the mouth of the Keret River, and other locations are listed, contributing to the accuracy of the charts. The map also provides key information on depth measurements and symbols used to indicate important navigational features like rocks, shoals, and land elevations. The title translates as follows:
Mercator Map of Kandalaksha Bay, compiled by the Hydrographic Department of the Main Naval Staff of His Imperial Majesty, based on the observations and measurements conducted under the supervision of Captain Lieutenant Reinecke from 1830 to 1832.
Reinecke's work was part of a larger project to chart the Arctic and northern regions of the Russian Empire, and his maps became essential tools for navigation and scientific research during the 19th century.
The chart was published in 1834, as part of a larger and highly influential Atlas of the White Sea, overseen by Vice-Admiral Mikhail Frantsevich Reineke (1801–1859), a prominent Russian hydrographer and explorer. Reineke's work, produced during his extensive surveys of the White and Murmansk Seas between 1826 and 1832, contributed to the advancement of Russian hydrographic knowledge and provided essential navigational tools for mariners in the region. The map is one of 12 sea charts which appeared in the atlas. The full title of the atlas is:
Атлас Белого моря, составлен при Гидрографическом депо Главного морского штаба его императорского величества, по наблюдениям и промеру, произведенным с 1827 по 1833 год.
Translation: Atlas of the White Sea, compiled at the Hydrographic Depot of the Main Naval Staff of His Imperial Majesty, based on observations and measurements made from 1827 to 1833.
Reineke's expedition, conducted aboard the brig Lapominka, focused on the hydrographic survey of the Murmansk and Terek coasts, the White Sea, and the surrounding areas. This mission, which involved measuring tidal currents, conducting meteorological observations, and taking depth measurements, formed the foundation for an atlas that served Russian seafarers for many decades. The team also produced detailed astronomical observations, checked coastal directions, and explored suitable anchorage sites along the northern coast.
The result of this comprehensive research was an atlas of maps, including the chart of the Northern Dvina River estuary, which offered precise topographical details critical for navigating the intricate waters of the White Sea region. The chart of the Northern Dvina, like others in the atlas, depicted not only the physical geography of the coastline but also provided crucial hydrographic data, including depths, tides, and navigational hazards, which were vital for naval and commercial maritime traffic.
The Atlas of the White Sea was highly regarded for its accuracy and detail. It became a standard reference for sailors navigating the challenging waters of the White Sea and Lapland coasts, remaining in use until 1910. The map of the Northern Dvina estuary was particularly important due to the strategic significance of Arkhangelsk and other towns located near the river delta, which served as major trading and naval centers for centuries. The atlas provided essential navigational guidance for ships entering and exiting the White Sea through the Northern Dvina's delta, ensuring safer voyages in an area known for its treacherous waters.
In addition to the atlas, Reineke compiled an extensive written work titled Гидрографическое описание северного берега России . . . (Hydrographic Description of the Northern Coast of Russia), published 18 years after the conclusion of the expedition. This book, described as an appendix to the atlas, was in fact a comprehensive reference text that went beyond standard sailing directions. It provided a detailed encyclopedia of the White Sea's geography, the livelihoods of its coastal inhabitants, and the region's climate and vegetation. The first part of the Hydrographic Description focused on the White Sea, while the second part examined the Lapland coast, providing a systematic description of the shores, tidal heights, and coastal cities. It also included information on the specific work carried out by Reineke’s expedition from 1827 to 1832.
The atlas, together with the Hydrographic Description, became an authoritative guide for Russian maritime exploration and commercial navigation. The combination of detailed maps and extensive textual descriptions represented a significant contribution to Russian hydrography and ensured that Reineke's work had a long-lasting impact on seafaring in the region.
Rarity
The sea chart and atlas are extremely rare.
OCLC locates one example in the Library of Congress. No auction or dealer records were located.
Mikhail Franzevich von Reinecke, born on November 10, 1801, in Grothusenshof, Livland Governorate, was a Russian vice-admiral and one of the most prominent hydrographers of the 19th century. Known for his significant contributions to the Russian Hydrographic Service, Reinecke meticulously documented the White Sea, Baltic Sea, and Barents Sea, establishing standardized sea level measurements across Russia. His lifelong dedication to maritime exploration and hydrography left a lasting impact on Russian naval and scientific history.
Born into a distinguished Livonian family of German descent, Reinecke was initially educated at home before attending the private boarding house in Saint Petersburg. In 1815, he entered the Marine Cadet Corps of the Imperial Russian Navy and began his naval career. By 1818, he graduated as a non-commissioned officer, marking the start of a remarkable career in naval service and hydrographic exploration.
Reinecke’s hydrographic career began in earnest in 1824, when he joined an expedition to the White Sea, marking his first foray into practical hydrography. His work as the head of the White Sea expeditions from 1827 to 1832 resulted in a comprehensive hydrographic survey of the region. These efforts culminated in the Atlas of the White Sea and the Lapland Coast, a monumental work published in two volumes, which earned him the prestigious Demidov Prize. Reinecke’s expeditions also led to the construction of several lighthouses along Russia's northern coast, further enhancing maritime safety in the region.
Between 1833 and 1852, Reinecke focused on the hydrography of the Baltic Sea, where he conducted extensive research that spanned over a decade. His determination of the average sea level based on his observations in the Baltic was of such precision that it became the standard for sea level measurements across Russia, with a key marker placed on the Blue Bridge in Kronstadt, Saint Petersburg.
In 1855, Reinecke was promoted to vice-admiral and appointed director of the Hydrographic Department. He also served as the inspector of the Fleet Navigator Corps and chairman of the Marine Scientific Committee. Despite declining health, his influence on Russian maritime navigation and scientific research remained significant during his later years. He retired in 1857 due to health reasons and traveled to Germany to recuperate, where he passed away on April 16, 1859, in Frankfurt am Main.
Reinecke’s legacy is preserved through several geographical landmarks named in his honor, including Reyneke Island in the Sea of Okhotsk and the Peter the Great Gulf. His pioneering work in hydrography and sea level measurement remains a testament to his expertise and dedication to Russian maritime science.