Exhibition
Organizers: University of Zadar, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Associazione “Roberto Almagià” – Associazione Italiana Collezionisti di Cartografia Antica, Croatian Cartographic Society
Location: Providur Palace, Trg Petra Zoranića 1, Zadar
18 Sept. – 8 Oct. 2025
Between Sea and Land: Cartographic Representations of the Adriatic Sea from the 16th to the 19th Century – Printed Maps and Nautical Charts in the Construction of Maritime Space
The exhibition of original printed nautical charts of the Adriatic Sea spans the period from the 16th to the 19th century. This era was marked by profound political transformations that significantly shaped the political, economic, and cultural landscape of a region characterized by multifaceted interactions and conflicts. These charts reflect the gradual evolution of geographic knowledge about the Adriatic and the progressive refinement of cartographic techniques - especially evident from the early 19th century, when many charts were produced based on systematic hydrographic surveys.
The institutionalization of cartography, along with scientific and technological innovations, contributed to the production of reliable spatial data crucial not only for navigation but also for broader inquiries into the coastal and maritime spaces of the Adriatic and the sustainable use of its natural resources.
The charts featured in the exhibition originate from various cartographic centers, each employing distinct methodologies and conceptual frameworks. Despite their differences, they share a common focus: the Adriatic Sea as one of the most vital zones of the Mediterranean. In these representations, the Adriatic is not merely depicted - it is constructed and imagined, embedded in the mental maps of individuals and communities. These maps weave together the physical and the symbolic, forming a layered reality that captures both concrete geographies and imagined spaces.
Moreover, the charts stand as tangible evidence of the exchange of ideas and technologies. Cartography functioned as a multidimensional bridge - linking science and technology, art and geography, seafaring and other economic activities. As instruments of cultural exchange and convergence among peoples, states, and regions along the Adriatic coast, these maps serve as communicative media that carry diverse messages. Their rich informational value affirms cartography's role not merely as a technical field but as a formative element in the shaping of social and economic life.