1777 Santini Map of the Crimean Peninsula and Ukraine

Historical Map of Crimea, currently a flashpoint of conflict between Russia and the Ukraine.

This is a 1777 Paolo Santini map of Crimea and Ukraine. The map depicts from southern Ukraine (Nouvelle Russie) to the Black Sea. Crimea (Krim) is depicted in detail, with numerous settlements and towns labeled and rivers and topography included. Outside Crimea, in modern Ukraine, several different territories occupied by ethnic communities are labeled on the map, including Tatares d'Oczakow, the Territoire des Zaporoviens, Tatares de Nugay, and Circassia (Circassie), the ancestral homeland of the Circassian people. Historically, the term 'Tatars' has been applied to numerous Turco-Mongol semi-nomadic empires, but more recently, the term refers more narrowly to people who speak one of the Turkic languages. Within these regions, myriad settlements are depicted. Some of these settlements appear to be permanent, and most of these are near a river. Others, however, appear to be depicted as semi-permanent, nomadic settlements. As stated above, the Tatars were a semi-nomadic people, so this depiction is well within the realm of possibility. Along the right side, in the territory occupied by the Tatares de Kuban two historical notations about battles are included. Topography is depicted throughout the map.

In recent years, Crimea has been international news. In March 2014, the Russian Federation annexed Crimea, which was Ukrainian territory. A referendum was held, and 'separation was favored by a large majority of voters.' However, the international community does not recognize the results of the referendum as valid or the validity of Russia's military actions. The U.N. General Assembly has officially stated the policy of non-recognition and the G8 voted to remove Russia from the group and leveled sanctions against them.

This map was published in 1777 by Paolo Santini in Venice.

Cartographer

Paolo Santini (1729 - June 1793) and his brother Francois [Francesco] Santini (fl. 1776 - 1784) were Italian engravers and map publishers based in Venice. The brothers were born in Venice. They are best known for their Atlas Universel dressé sur les meilleures cartes modernes, a grand atlas presenting state-of-the-art French cartography to a Venetian audience. They drew on the cream of 18th Century French cartographers such as Robert de Vaugondy, Jaillot, De L'Isle, and D'Anville. Their atlas was published by the Remondini house in Venice, who purchased the plates and publishing rights from the Santinis in 1781. Paolo was a priest of the Church of Santa Maria Formosa and a professor of architecture in the public schools of Venice. Moreover, he was an ingenious mechanic and invented a large drill used in the Venetian Arsenal for boring cannons, as well as a cutting instrument designed to verify reliably, under any circumstances, the authenticity of licenses issued to merchant captains. With a zigzag cut made in a single movement of the handle, the original document was divided from its matching counterpart. He appears to have been the primary engraver of the two brothers as well. In addition to maps, he also illustrated and engraved architectural plates. He died in Belluno in June 1793, having traveled there to attend the wedding of a close relative. Francesco is believed to have traveled more broadly, including maintaining an office in Paris, where he purchased many of the maps that would inform the brothers' work. He is known to have associated with several French cartographers of the late 18th century, including Rigobert Bonne. His offices in Paris were located at Rue St. Justine pres de L'Eglise.   Further Details...

Condition

Very good. Original press mark visible. Original centerfold displays some wear. Blank on verso.

References

OCLC 958421290.