Plan De La Baie De Kronstadt

Description

The French map dated 1853 shows the city of Kronstadt (Bay), the most strategic defensive area in the eastern Baltic Sea in the context of the Crimean War, and its strategic relationship with the city of St. Petersburg. The city of Kronstadt and its surrounding fortifications are located in the center of the map; structures such as Fort Constantin, Fort Alexandre, Hopital militaire (Military Hospital), lighthouses and defense lines are clearly marked. Kronstadt, the main base of the Russian Navy in the Baltic Sea, is located west of Saint Petersburg, at the outlet of the gulf of the Neva River and was built on Kotlin Island as a military-strategic fortress-city. The map also shows underwater obstacles, battery arrays and depth measurements (in meters) along the Gulf of Finland (Golfe de Finlande) and the Bay of Kronstadt (Baie de Kronstadt). The small inset maps in the lower right corner present the city plan of St. Petersburg and the detailed city structure of Kronstadt. These sub-plans depict the shipyards, palace grounds, fortifications, and complex bridge systems over the river delta. They also show residential areas close to the royal palaces, such as Peterhof and Oranienbaum on the south bank. Kronstadt was of vital importance as it formed the first line of defense of St. Petersburg against threats from the sea, and was not directly targeted by the Anglo-French navies during the Baltic Campaign due to its strong fortifications. The technical and aesthetic drawing of the map is as remarkable as its military and strategic elements; the simple black and white lines reflect the classical cartographic style of the French school of engraving in the mid-19th century. This map is not only a geographical document, but also provides information about the military architecture of Tsarist Russia, its strategic vision and the defensive system for the protection of the capital St. Petersburg.