Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth.Sir William Nicholson · 1763
Print- WallArt
1763- Early Modern
64.0 x 90.0 cm
Kalakriti Archives
A Window into the Eighteenth Century: The Majesty of Bombay Harbour
To gaze upon "A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour" is to embark on a voyage through time, transported back to the mid-1760s when the tides of the Indian Ocean carried the weight of colonial ambition and maritime discovery. This exquisite piece of cartography, derived from the meticulous surveys of Captain William Nichelson around 1763, serves as much more than a mere navigational tool; it is a profound historical document that captures the dawn of a global era. The chart offers a westward perspective of Bombay Island, presenting a world where the rugged coastline and strategic waterways were being etched into the consciousness of the British Empire. For the discerning collector or interior designer, this work provides an unparalleled sense of intellectual depth, acting as a sophisticated focal point that anchors a room with its aura of exploration and historical gravity.
The composition of the chart is a masterclass in 18th-century precision and aesthetic balance. Rendered with the clarity required for maritime safety, the map features an intricate web of mountains, hills, and waterways, each meticulously labeled to guide the navigator through the complex geography of the region. The visual narrative highlights the burgeoning importance of the Bombay Fort, enclosed within its protective walls, and the vibrant, bustling energy of ‘Dungaree Town.’ As one traces the lines of the coast, the eye is drawn to the delicate compass rose in the upper corner, a symbol of direction and certainty amidst the vast, unknown sea. The monochromatic elegance of the print allows the fine linework and topographical details to emerge with a quiet, commanding presence, making it an ideal selection for spaces that favor a classic, scholarly, or vintage aesthetic.
Beyond its technical utility, the chart carries a deep symbolic resonance, representing the intersection of scientific inquiry and imperial expansion. It documents a moment when Bombay was transforming into India’s busiest harbor, a nexus of economic dynamism and cultural diversity. The detailed nautical information reflects the rigorous discipline of the Royal Navy and the East India Company's growing influence in Western India. For those seeking to decorate a study, library, or grand hallway, this reproduction offers an emotional connection to the Age of Discovery. It evokes a sense of wonder for the intrepid explorers of the past and serves as a sophisticated tribute to the art of cartography, where every ink stroke tells a story of survival, commerce, and the relentless human desire to map the unknown.
Sir William Nicholson (1872 – 1949)
Discover Sir William Nicholson (1872-1949), a British painter celebrated for striking portraits, elegant still lifes & innovative woodcuts. Explore his Beggarstaff partnership and lasting influence on early 20th-century art.
Kalakriti Archives (Hyderabad, India)
Explore Kalakriti Archives in Hyderabad—a treasure trove of vintage maps, rare photographs & prints spanning 500 years. Discover India's rich heritage & artistic legacy. A unique collection curated by Prshant Lahoti!
About this artwork
- Title: Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth.
- Artist: Sir William Nicholson
- Year: 1763
- Original dimensions: 64.0 x 90.0 cm
- Format: Landscape
- Copyright status: Public domain
- Where to see it: Kalakriti Archives
- Medium: Print
- Medium type: WallArt
- Corpus context: 18th century cartography, maritime navigation tool
Quick Facts
- Year: 1763
- Dimensions: 64 x 90 cm
- Subject or theme: Nautical cartography of Bombay Harbour
- Title: A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour
- Notable elements: Compass, mountains, hills, and waterways
Questions & Answers
In what year was "Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth." by Sir William Nicholson created?
"Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth." by Sir William Nicholson was created in 1763.
Is "Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth." by Sir William Nicholson kept in the artist's home country?
No - the artwork is kept abroad. The artist's birth country is United Kingdom, and the museum holding the original is in India.
Who is the artist behind "Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth."?
The artist behind "Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth." is Sir William Nicholson. The work is catalogued under Sir William Nicholson's name.
For whom is "Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth." by Sir William Nicholson a good gift?
"Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth." by Sir William Nicholson is recommended as a gift for corporate gift, especially for conversation. A reproduction of the artwork can be given as a present.
What is the overall mood of "Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth." by Sir William Nicholson?
The overall mood of "Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth." by Sir William Nicholson is nostalgic. The mood describes the general atmosphere of the work.
Is "Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth." by Sir William Nicholson in the public domain, and why?
The copyright status of "Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth." - in the public domain - its copyright has expired - follows from the artist's death in 1949.
What are the author and date of "Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth."?
The author of "Title (Original): A Reduced Chart of Bombay Harbour, to form as an Index for the large one of Eight Sheets, by William Nichelson, Master of his Majesty’s Ship Elizabeth." is Sir William Nicholson, and the work is dated 1763.