BIERMANN, F.: VIEW OF KNIN

This Biermann’s view shows the early Croatian town of Knin, featuring in the foreground the fortress of Knin although not quite accurately. Until 1797 the fortress of Knin was one of the frontier fortresses of exceptional importance for the defence of borders of the entire continental part of Dalmatia that was out of reach for the Venetian marine forces. Under the fortress, we can see the town of Knin outside the walls originated from the first settlement organized within the walls.  In the meantime the walls of the bailey were pulled down so that the settlement could develop freely. An accentuated dynamics of the rugged relief surrounding Knin, additionally emphasize the monumentality and the power of the fortress showed on this view. The contrast is rendered even starker by the peaceful landscape of the river Krka that flows in the vicinity of the town. This Biermann’s view was inserted in his graphic map issued in 1875 in Trieste by Austrian Lloyd.