Historical Portolan Map of Africa - Renaissance Cartography Artwork #3297653 (License: Personal Use)

This detailed portolan chart from the late 1500s showcases the African coastline with artistic embellishments including palm trees, fortified settlements, and colorful flags marking key locations. Multiple compass roses-each intricately decorated with wind directions (T, M, P, L, O, G)-overlay a rhumb line grid used by mariners for navigation. The map reflects both geographic knowledge and imaginative interpretation typical of early modern cartography.

Used in digital archives, museum exhibitions, and educational resources on maritime history, exploration, and the Age of Discovery; targets users researching historical maps, cartographic evolution, or African geography in pre-colonial contexts.