Sign In

Detailed and artistically rendered plan of the Seige of Corfu, offering an elaborate look at the Siege of 1716. The title translates to "PLAN OF THE FORTRESS OF CORFU WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS, BESIEGED BY THE INFIDELS, trenches opened on the 25th of July until the 22nd of August, the day of the retreat of the Ottomans. Defended by His Excellency Field Marshal Count von Schulembourg, Commander-in-Chief of the armies of the Most Serene Republic of Venice in the year 1716. Dedicated to HIS EXCELLENCY by his most humble and obedient servant Johann Baptist Homann, Geographer to His Imperial Majesty in Nuremberg." 

Coming in the aftermath of the Ottoman Empires' conquest of  Morea in 1715, the siege was a major success for Venice, allowing it to preserve its rule over the Ionian Islands.

On the 8th of July 1716, the Ottoman fleet carrying 3,000 men sailed from Butrinto to Corfu. Simultaneously the Venetian fleet encountered the Ottoman fleet off the Channel of Corfu, defeating them in the ensuing naval battle. 

The map itself is oriented with the west at the top, delineating the Canal de Corfu and surrounding bodies of water, along with nearby islets such as "I. Condilonisi" (modern Pontikonisi). The fortified urban center of Corfu is highlighted in pink, emphasizing its strategic and military importance, showing the fortifications and lines of fire. The surrounding area features topographical details, including hills and forests, as well as the placement of Venetian and Ottoman forces.  At the left is a description of the fortress ant Corfu, with a description of the attack at the right.

The allegorical cartouche at the lower left celebrates the Venetian victory during the siege of 1716 and is rich in symbolic imagery. At its center stands a female figure, likely representing Victoria (Victory), adorned with a laurel wreath and holding a medallion bearing the likeness of Field Marshal Count von Schulembourg, the Venetian commander who successfully defended Corfu. Surrounding her are angelic, winged figures, symbolizing divine favor and the righteousness of the Venetian triumph. At the base of the cartouche, military symbols, including a cannon and cannonballs, emphasize the martial nature of the victory, while laurel wreaths and classical elements celebrate the honor and glory of the defenders.  

This map commemorates the successful defense of Corfu by Venetian forces against a larger Ottoman army during the siege of July–August 1716. Count von Schulembourg’s leadership in repelling the Ottoman assault was seen as a major victory in the broader European struggle against Ottoman expansion. The combination of detailed siege positions, geographical depictions, and the allegorical cartouche underscores both the strategic importance of Corfu and the propagandistic framing of the event as a triumph of European resilience and Venetian military prowess.  

The Siege of Corfu in 1716 was part of the wider conflict known as the Seventh Ottoman–Venetian War, which was itself a theater within the larger struggle between the Ottoman Empire and the European powers. During this particular siege, the forces of the Ottoman Empire, led by the Grand Vizier Damat Ali Pasha, attempted to capture Corfu as a stepping stone to secure a stronger position in the Adriatic Sea against the Venetian Republic. The Venetian forces were commanded by Count Johann Matthias von der Schulenburg, who skillfully defended the island. The siege was a crucial moment, as a victory for the Ottomans could have opened the door to further encroachments into European territory.

The outcome of the siege was a decisive victory for the Venetians.  Schulenburg's leadership and the resilience of the Venetian forces led to the successful defense of Corfu, inflicting heavy casualties on the Ottomans.