Pianta della Baja di Rio de Janeiro

In 1843 the Neapolitan ship of the line "Vesuvio" traveled from Naples to Rio de Janeiro with Teresa Cristina of the Two Sicilies, wife of Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil, on board. This chart was published to accompany a description of the voyage after the Vesuvio's return to Naples. The vessel departed Naples in July and did not return until December.



The map's title suggests that it was derived from an English map obtained while the Vesuvio was anchored in Rio. This was likely an Admiralty Chart, though the map's exact source has yet to be determined. The city of Rio de Janeiro is shown as quite a small settlement with little development beyond the old heart of the city. A line of buildings stretch south along the coast along the Praia do Flamengo, but otherwise the area is largely undeveloped.



Two small insets show coastal views as seen from a vessel approaching the harbour. Depth soundings are provided along the principal navigation routes in and out of Guanabara Bay.



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