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This circa 1770 manuscript map, "Plan du mont de Blaunes en Catalogne a la Cote d'espaigne," offers an intricate portrayal of the region around Blanes, Catalonia, at a time when maritime exploration and trade were defining global connections. Apart from its cartographic features, the manuscript is adorned with an illustration of the town, soundings, and a square-rigged ship, significantly enhancing its visual appeal and historical importance.
The town of Blanes, located on the Costa Brava, has been a critical seafaring and trading hub since antiquity. This period, the late 18th century, was particularly noteworthy, as it was an era of rapid maritime development and expansion. The map provides us a glimpse into this era, with its carefully recorded soundings indicating the depth of water, an indispensable resource for navigators and traders navigating these waters.
A striking feature of the manuscript is the illustration of a square-rigged ship, a common vessel type in this period, known for its wind-harnessing capabilities and seafaring efficiency. This detail, alongside the depiction of the town, situates the map within a vibrant maritime culture that was pivotal in shaping the economic and social landscapes of the region.
The manuscript also holds additional significance with extensive notes about another port on its verso. Such annotations further enhance the value of the manuscript as a rich source of information, offering insights into other vital maritime locations of the time.
Overall, this map offers a vivid depiction of Blanes in the late 18th century, capturing not only its geographical specifics but also the maritime culture that played an essential role in its development. A detailed representation of a specific place and time, this manuscript serves as a historical artifact that testifies to the era's navigational techniques and maritime practices.
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