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Description

Meticulously detailed map of the Kingdom of Slavonia and the Duchy of Syrmia, published in Venice by Paolo Santini.

The map's greatest attention is centered on the Kingdom of Slovenia (historically known as Slavonia) and the Duchy of Syrmia, regions dissected by the mighty Danube River. Both the breadth and specificity of the map are compelling, as it stretches south to include parts of Bosnia and Serbia, but returns its focus mainly north of the Danube. Rivers Illove, Save, and Drave are also featured, as they form the hydrological vein system of the region.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Kingdom of Slovenia, often referred to as Slavonia in historical texts, was an integral part of the Habsburg Monarchy and later the Austrian Empire. Slavonia, known for its fertile plains, saw a transition from feudal to capitalist agrarian relationships, and with the abolition of serfdom in the mid-19th century, it experienced a significant uptick in agricultural production and economic development.

The Duchy of Syrmia, a region that historically straddled modern-day Croatia and Serbia, also underwent a similar transformation in the same period.  In 1699, the Habsburg monarchy took western Syrmia from the Ottomans as part of the Treaty of Karlowitz. Until the Treaty of Passarowitz at the end of the Austro-Turkish War of 1716-18, the remainder of Syrmia was part of the Habsburg Military Frontier.At the end of the Austro-Russian-Turkish War of 1735–1739, there was a migration of Albanians from the Kelmendi tribe to Syrmia. In 1745, the Duchy of Syrmia was established as part of the Habsburgs' Kingdom of Slavonia 

This beautiful antique map provides a fascinating historical snapshot of these evolving dynamics, and serves as a captivating artifact of the period. Its careful depiction of these regions offers a unique view into the intertwined histories of Slovenia and Syrmia, a testament to the map-making skills of the 18th century.

Paolo Santini Biography

Paolo Santini (1729-1793) was an Venetian engraver known especially for his religious prints and fine cartographic engravings. He published in Venice and may have a been a member of the clergy. In his maps, he largely adopted and adapted the work of his French counterparts, especially the brothers de Vaugondy.