A historical-architectural analysis of the panoramic image of Kazan by Cornelis de Bruijn

Abstract

© 2020 Saint Petersburg State University. All rights reserved. This essay presents the results of application of modern software for analysis of microscopic images in order to establish the veracity of an intriguing primary source, an early eighteenth-century depiction of the skyline of the city of Kazan. This image is an engraving made on the basis of a sketch of the city's panorama created by the Dutch artist and diarist Cornelis de Bruijn during his journey down the Volga in May 1703. The meticulous comparison between the computer processed drawing by de Bruijn and early photographs of Kazan enables to conclude that the Dutch traveler provided a highly accurate picture, the first of its kind, of the contours of Early Modern Kazan. In terms of precision, his picture surpassed earlier illustrations of the city such as those published by Adam Olearius. As a result, certain questions regarding the age of some of Kazan's landmarks, for example, the Söyembikä Tower, are clarified. It has been established that this building predates the eighteenth century, and the authors suggest that its purpose may have been different from being military or defensive. In addition, de Bruijn's illustration elucidates the nature of the renovation carried out in the defensive towers of Kazan's city walls during Peter the Great's reign when the risk of raids or invasions into Muscovite territory from the south and east diminished considerably, which reduced the importance of Kazan as a fortified stronghold.