Istria, Petar Kopić (N-1)

Details and context of the original map

Brief description of the map:

We present to you a map of Istria from 1573, made by Petar Kopić (Pietro Coppo), a prominent geographer and cartographer from the 16th century. This map provides a detailed representation of the Istrian peninsula, reflecting the geographical knowledge and cartographic skills of the time.

Year of original:

1525

Original author:

Petar Kopić (Pietro Coppo) (1470–1555/1556), Venetian geographer and cartographer who spent most of his life in Izola.

Place of issue:

Izola, Republic of Venice

Technique:

Woodcut with hand-added colors, which allows for a precise and detailed representation of geographical elements.

Content:

The map shows the Istrian peninsula with an emphasis on coastal towns, rivers, mountain ranges and the interior. Cities such as Pula, Rovinj, Poreč and Koper, as well as topographical features such as Učka, are particularly prominent. The map contains 296 toponyms, which testifies to the detail and precision of Kopić’s work.

Historical context:

In the middle of the 16th century, Istria was divided between the Republic of Venice and the Habsburg Monarchy. Kopić’s map reflects the geographical knowledge and political boundaries of the time, providing an insight into the territorial appearance of the peninsula during that period. The map was part of Kopić’s work “De summa totius orbis”, a shortened version of his world atlas, which was created between 1524 and 1526.

Importance and value:

This map is an important historical document that combines precise geographical information with artistic representation. Kopić’s maps are appreciated for their accuracy and aesthetic value, and the originals are today rare and highly valued by collectors and historians. Replicas of such maps serve as valuable educational materials and decorative elements that evoke the historical spirit of the 16th century.