BOSCHINI, Marco. - [Map of the coast of Crete to the east of Chania showing the landing of the Turks and the Venetian defence in June 1645].

Map engraved by Marco Boschini (1613-1678). With a lettered key for the Turkish army « A-L » and a numbered key for the city of Chania and its army « 1-20 ».

Fifth Ottoman-Venetian War (Cretan War) (1645-69):
In 1645, the date of the earliest of Boschini's maps of Crete, the island was invaded by the Turks. It was the perfect moment for a patriotic Venetian to affirm the greatness of Venice in her struggle against 'la Potenza Vastissima Othomana.'
"A high oblique view of the Ottoman landing in the Bay of Gognà on 24 June 1645 and of Canea, besieged from 27 June by Ottoman forces resulting in the town's capitulation on 22 August. Cretan War (1645-1669). Oriented with west to top (compass rose; T= Tramontana or North).
"This view shows Cape Spada, top right, where the Ottoman navy was first sighted on 23 June. The Turkish forces are shown disembarking about 15 miles west of Canea. Flames are shown billowing from the fort on the southern side of the little island of St Todero (B), which has been blown up, together with its garrison, by the commanding officer Blasio Zulian. The siege of Canea is shown as ongoing and must, therefore, represent events before the town's surrender on 22 August.

The quarters of provvidatore generale Andrea Corner (governor of Crete) are drawn bottom left together with some relief boats sent by the Venetians." ('Royal Collection Trust).