Pedro Reinel
Historian Rafael Moreira points to evidence suggesting Pedro Reinel was of African descent. His father may have been an ivory carver brought from West Africa to work in royal workshops. This background places Reinel within a unique historical context for European cartography. The connection between his heritage and his craft remains a subject of scholarly debate. No other Portuguese mapmaker of that era carries such specific biographical markers regarding ancestry.
Pedro Reinel produced one of the oldest signed Portolan charts around 1485. This nautical chart depicts the western Mediterranean and extends down the African coast to the Congo River. It includes details from Diogo Cão's first voyage of exploration between 1482 and 1484. The African coast appears in two distinct sections on this document. A conventional tracing covers the Atlantic coast as far as Cabo Corço before the map runs out of space. The remainder of the coast down to the Congo is drawn inside the interior of the African continent. Historians continue to debate this unusual approach to mapping geography.
Reinel created an Atlantic Chart around 1504 that included a scale of latitudes. This document also features an early depiction of North America based on Gaspar Corte-Real's explorations. He demonstrated an understanding of magnetic variation by using two different meridians. One meridian closely approximated true north while a second one near Labrador was tilted by 22 degrees. Early explorers had found significant variation when using their compasses during these voyages. The map also became the first to depict a wind rose with a clearly drawn fleur-de-lys.
Between 1485 and 1519, Pedro Reinel served three Portuguese kings: João II, Manuel I, and João III. His career spanned decades of rapid expansion in European knowledge of geography. In 1528, King João III authorized an annual pension of 15,000 reis for Reinel. A contemporary reference indicates that Reinel was still making charts in 1540. He received recognition through a Portuguese postage stamp issued in his honor long after
his death.
Reinel traveled briefly to Seville in 1519 to collaborate on a globe and charts. These preparations were made for the upcoming Magellan expedition sponsored by Spain. In 1524, he participated on the Badajoz-Elvas Junta conference. This meeting discussed whether the Molucca Islands belonged to the Spanish or Portuguese side of the line established by the Treaty of Tordesillas. Although Reinel and his son worked almost exclusively in Lisbon, these
international trips highlight their diplomatic importance.
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Common questions
What is the heritage of Pedro Reinel?
Historian Rafael Moreira points to evidence suggesting Pedro Reinel was of African descent. His father may have been an ivory carver brought from West Africa to work in royal workshops.
When did Pedro Reinel produce his oldest signed Portolan chart?
Pedro Reinel produced one of the oldest signed Portolan charts around 1485. This nautical chart depicts the western Mediterranean and extends down the African coast to the Congo River.
How did Pedro Reinel demonstrate understanding of magnetic variation on his Atlantic Chart?
He demonstrated an understanding of magnetic variation by using two different meridians. One meridian closely approximated true north while a second one near Labrador was tilted by 22 degrees.
Which Portuguese kings did Pedro Reinel serve between 1485 and 1519?
Between 1485 and 1519, Pedro Reinel served three Portuguese kings: João II, Manuel I, and João III. In 1528, King João III authorized an annual pension of 15,000 reis for Reinel.
Why did Pedro Reinel travel to Seville in 1519?
Reinel traveled briefly to Seville in 1519 to collaborate on a globe and charts. These preparations were made for the upcoming Magellan expedition sponsored by Spain.