Written by Andrej Vovko, 1989

Summary

It is not so long since our great compatriot Johann Weichard Valvasor was viewed with suspicion and a lack of understanding. This was due partly to his foreign origin and partly to his noble descent. The abundant literature about him demonstrates, that this suspicion, which was no doubt detrimental to the general understanding of his role in our history, was neither universal nor conclusive.

On 13th October 1989 the Committee opened an exceptionally rich exhibition, Valvasor to Slovenes and to Europe, with the catalogue of the same name, in cooperation with the National Gallery of Ljubljana and with sensitivity by the owners of Valvasor’s legacy in Zagreb. The Ethnographic Museum prepared an exhibition of Slovenian peasant costumes according to the sketches in Valvasor’s Glory. The Institute for the Research of Kras and the Scientific Research Centre SAZU prepared the exhibition Valvasor and Kras, the Committee of Cerknica a Symposium on skiing in Bloke, the Slovenian Ethnological Society the debate Ethnology and Study of Homeland. A successful beginning was made for the production of the scientifically and financially complex publication, an “undertaking of the century” – the complete Slovenian translation and publication of Valvasor’s Die Ehre des Herzogtums Crain / The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola.

Written by Bogo Grafenauer, 1989

Summary

Valvasor and his work “Die Ehre dess Hertzogthums Crain” (The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola, Nuremberg 1689) have received a wide variety of interpretations in Slovene historiography and the history of literature since the end of the 18th century. In the first survey of Carniolan historiography, A.T. Linhart reproached Valvasor for leaving essential gaps in the history of the Slovenes and for his use of Schönleben’s work on older history, which he felt to be lacking in any innovation.

A.T. Linhart did, however, acknowledge that Valvasor’s work had some merit in regard of his treatment of more contemporaneous history and he particulary appreciated Valvasor’s topographical work and his description of everyday life, of “the habits and customs of Carniolans”. Nevertheless, Valvasor’s work represented a principal source for learning the history of Carniola as well as for the broader history of Slovenia for more than half a century. His impact is evident, for example, in “Zgodovina slovenskega naroda” (History of the Slovene Nation) by J. Trdina as well as in the belief by the majority of the nobles of Slovenia of that time in their essentially Slovene origins. In turn this belief was crucially affected by the treatise “Plemstvo in narodni razvoj” (The Nobility and National Development) by J. Apih, published in 1887, which made a clear distinction between the Slovene population (mostly peasantry) and foreign or assimilated nobility. Such an attitude started to assert itself rapidly and more and more distinctly, particularly after 1910, that represents yet another turning point in Slovene historiography.

From the point of view of Slovene literature interest in The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola, was initially restricted to the purely linguistic and literary elements. An essential break with such an approach was made by F. Kidrič, who analysed Valvasor’s views on various central elements concerning the allegiance to Slovene nationality. The views of Kidrič were supported by M. Rupel and J. Pogačnik, that differed from those held by I. Grafenauer and A. Slodnjak. To further the debate, the current paper presents the development of the evaluation of Valvasor as a historiographer, from A. Kaspret onwards in 1890, to F. Zwitter, B. Reisp, F. Gestrin, B. Grafenauer, and D. Mihelič. Assessing Valvasor’s attitude towards any kind of self-awareness of the Slovenes as an ethnic community (“nation”), the author has come to the conclusion, that although Valvasor exerted a certain influence in this respect on subsequent generations, he cannot be directly associated with Slovene national consciousness.

Written by Branko Reisp, 1989

Abstract

The first short biography on Valvasor, written by J.G. Dolničar (Thalnitscher) in 1715, appeared in a bibliography of Carniolan writers, Ectypon bibiothecae publicae Labacensis, whereas the first article was published in the Viennese journal Archiv fur Geographie, Historie, Staats- und Kriegskunst in 1815. In the 1860s P. Radics commenced his research on Valvasor, which later became his primary concern. The result of this endeavour was a monograph entitled Johann Weikhard Freiherr von Valvasor (geb. 1641, gest. 1693), published in 1910. At the same time A. Kaspret was also involved in a study of Valvasor’s work. His treatise “Valvasor als Historiker”, which appeared in Mitteilungen des Musealvereines fur Krain in 1890 is one of more important works in this field. The emergence of a new research generation was marked by I. Merhar’s work Valvasor als Ethnograph, which was issued as a summary of his study in 1910. A more decisive break with predecessors was made by F. Stele. His studies, “Valvasorjev krog in njegovo grafično delo” (Valvasor’s Circle and his Graphic Work) and “Valvasorjeva Ljubljana” (Valvasor’s Ljubljana), which were published in Glasnik Muzejskega društva za Slovenijo (The Gazette of the Slovene Museum Society) in 1928, are considered basic works on this activity of Valvasor, which was hardly known until then. By that time, new editions of two Valvasor’s works had appeared as well: Die Ehre des Hertzogthums Krain in 1877-1879, and Das Erz- Hertzogthum Kärndten in 1882, both issued by J. Krajec at Novo mesto. Topographia Archiducatus Carynthiae antiquae et modernae completa was reissued in a facsimile edition in 1928.

In recent decades, introductions to translations into Slovene and to facsimile editions of Valvasor’s writings have been written by M. Rupel. E. Cevc, and B. Reisp for the following works: Valvasorjevo berilo (Valvasor’s Reader), translated by M. Rupel; Prizorišče človeške smrti v treh delih (Theatrum mortis humanae tripartitum), translated by J. Mlinarič; facsimile editions of Dominicae passionis icones, Topographia Ducatus Carnioliae modernae, Die Ehre des Hertzogthums Crain, and Topographia Archiducatus Carintiae antiquae et modernae completa.

These editions testify to the great interest in Valvasor’s work among the wider public, whereas both the scope and results of research work had done little justice to it. Thus, there appeared a scientific and a broader, cultural need for a modern monographic study. This need was answered by B. Reisp, whose monograph Kranjski polihistor Janez Vajkard Valvasor (The Carniolan Polymath Johann Weichard Valvasor) appeared in 1983. In 1984, a facsimile edition of Ovidii Metamorphoseos icones, published by Valvasor at Bogensperk in 1680, was reissued. Introductions were contributed by B. Reisp, K. Gantar and E. Cevc. In 1987 another significant work, prepared by B. Reisp and P. Simoniti, appeared under the title Korespondenca Jsneza Vajkarda Valvasorja z Royal Society (The Correspondence of Johann Weishard Valvasor with the Royal Society).

It seems that research work will continue to be twofold in the future as well, that is, it will include both completion of data on the life and work of J. W. Valvasor (and also on other members of the Valvasor family), as well as the cultural-historical evaluation of his personality on the one hand, and, on the other, more extensive research work evaluating the content of the individual fields of his works in all their diversity. Existing archive sources make study of the former topics possible, whereas lack of such sources imposes limits on efforts which could cast light on still unsolved and less examined individual questions, some of which are indicated.

In addition to research on formal data and the cultural-historical examination of Valvasor’s personality, there are wide and diverse possibilities concerning content analysis of his work. Editions with a topographic, historical or art focus provide opportunities for more profound insights into his interests and inclinations. Because his works from the field of natural sciences have not been preserved. Valvasor as naturalist and technician is hardly known. If this aspect of his work has been preserved, he would certainly be considered even more unique and of even greater European significance. Our present knowledge of him, however, makes the message of his work quite clear for both the present and the future. He strove to learn about his homeland, maintaining a deep respect for tradition and wanting, at the same time, to forge links with the world; he valued knowledge and work, advocated harmonious coexistence among people, and was well aware of the interdependence between man and nature.

Written by Sergij Vilfan, 1989

 Abstract

Although he had never studied law, Valvasor provided in The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola, a great deal of information about the administrative framework of the country and relevant legal matters. We come across this information in many places, some in unforeseen connections, such as material from other fields, for instance traditions and customs, national costumes, castles, etc. When Valvasor wrote from his own observation he was mostly accurate. However, when he referred to the works of other authors, particularly historians, this tends to be evidence of his erudition and the perspective of a particular time and place, rather than a reliable historical record. This is true particularly in the case of Valvasor’s commentaries and reflections, which are interwoven with factual information n his work. Within these parameters Valvasor’s The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola represents a valid basis for a legal history of Slovenian territories.

Written by Darja Mihelič, 1989

Abstract

The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola by Valvasor is to a large extent a historical work. Historical material is considered in its first, fifth, seventh, eighth, eleventh, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth Book.

A general feature of this work is the concern with glorification of a single province where the inhabitants spoke Slovenian and German. This province was distinguished from the wider area populated by the same countrymen but of German language. Nationality was thus determined on the basis of provincial allegiance, rather than on the basis of language.

In The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola numerous references are made to authentic records, which are still regarded as fundamental sources for the interpretation of historical events, but which are rarely considered from a critical point of view. Valvasor’s work shows well-versed knowledge of both older and contemporaneous history. There are frequent quotations from works by other authorities (in particular J. L. Schönleben, J. Aventin, W. Lazius, and M. G. Christalnick, brought to light by H. Megiser). However, there are no critical comments to accompany these quotations.  

This current paper deals with a relatively short period of history from 620ies to 820ies. The era was marked by the attainment of independence of the Slovene ancestors from Avar suzerainty and the subsequent establishment of the principality (Fürstentum) of Carantania. Initially, this new political unit was independent, but was later ruled by local princes under Bavarian (i.e., Frankish) supremacy until the 828 administrative reform.

The author has attempted to evaluate the level of knowledge on certain key events in Slovene history as set out in The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola. This particularly in view of recent historiography, which is based on a critical approach to the written sources, especially Conversio Bagoariorum et Carantanorum, and Historia Langobardorum by Paulus Diaconus. Although there are references in The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola to a version of Conversio (The Life of St. Virgilius) and to the writing by Diaconus, these works are not analyzed. Valvasor merely quoted from the former works, and especially from the work of Schönleben and Megiser. The historical aspect of The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola, thus, is less profound than the excellent ethnological, geographical and naturalistic accounts. The historical sections of these books may not represent the leading scientific accomplishments of the era in this sphere, but they are not far behind them either. However, all sections of historical materials from The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola still remain to be examined in detail.    

Written by Janez Šumrada, 1989

Abstract

This paper is based upon the materials kept by the Royal Society Archives and by the Department of Manuscripts of the British Library in London. It concerns the travels through the Slovene provinces in 1669 by a Fellow of the Royal Society, Edward Browne, a son of the eminent Sir Thomas Browne of Norwich. Browne’s travel diary with his account of the Bleiberg and Idrija mines, the description of Lake Cerknica, as well as his journey from the Kanal valley (Valcanale) to Villach are also presented here. It was this description of Lake Cerknica, published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society in 1669, along with his account of the mine at Idrija, which made a considerable impact on the scientific career of the Carniolan polymath.

Towards the end of 1685, Valvasor acquainted himself with the Latin Translation of the Philosophical Transactions for the years from 1665 to1669, which had been published in Lepizig. Since he found Browne’s descriptions of Lake Cerknica rather inadequate and superficial, he therefore prepared an extensive account on the subject himself and submitted it in Latin to the Secretary of the Royal Society. On the strength of this treatise, the Royal Society elected Valvasor as a Fellow in December 1687.

Written by Vasko Simoniti, 1989

Abstract

First, research possibilities for historians concerning Valvasor’s The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola are outlined, and then Valvasor’s military role and his military position in the service of Carniola are presented. To elucidate his military post of Captain, the military efforts of Carniola in 1683 are dealt with in some detail, that is, at the time when Valvasor himself was directly involved in military actions. In conclusion, the author makes the following point. The Provincial Estates virtually abolished the practice of calling up provincial army units, particularly those from among the country’s subjects in Lower Carniola, for which Valvasor was responsible, except in 1683. Therefore, Valvasor’s position of Captain, which he held for at least ten years, was primarily an additional source of income that eased the burden of financial obligations imposed on him by his publishing activities.

Written by France Baraga, 1989

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to illuminate the life and work of Valvasor’s collaborator, Erazmus Francisci (1627-1695), a writer from Nuremberg, for Slovene readers so as to enable them to better comprehend Valvasor and his work Die Ehre dess Herzogthums Crain. It may be interesting to note here, first of all, that Francisci never set foot on Carniolan soil.

Francisci’s known biographical data are presented along with a survey of his literary work, including various collections of curiosities, books on Turkish raids, various compilations of exotic travel writings with many illustrations, collections of historical points of interest, tragic biographies, and pious meditations on emblematic copper engravings. His religious books include a number of his hymns, some of which are presented with musical notation.

The extensive scope of his work makes Francisci one of the first professional German writers.

Francisci was the editor and co-author of Die Ehre dess Herzogthums Crain. As he himself claimed, he was the author of the first, fifth, and tenth, and part of the thirteenth, books. If it were not for his cooperation Die Ehre might have never seen the light of day. Francisci had a list of his works printed, in which Die Ehre is discussed on as many as 10 pages. Information on the reception this work received in Germany after its publication is also conveyed.

Since it is sometimes of crucial importance to differentiate between what was written by Valvasor and what by Francisci, some criteria are presented so as to enable the reader to make the relevant distinction. The main features of Francisci’s writings are considered to be superfluous digressions and sciolistic arguments or their own sake. Formal editorial notes and additions including those set apart from the main text with a line of astericks were also made by Francisci.

An abridged version of Francisci’s bibliography, prepared by Gerhard Dünnhaupt, is appendixed.

Written by Sandi Sitar, 1989

Abstract

In The Glory of the Duchy of Carniola the different varieties of land and water transport which were in use in the 1680s, as well as the early experiments with flight, are described and illustrated with copper engravings. At this time various extension devices for arms and legs such as sticks, stilts, and skis were employed as aids for walking and for carrying loads. The latter evolved into horseback transport, which was due to bad roads, more suitable than conventional horse-drawn means of transport like haulage, farm wagons, carts and carriages. Valvasor also gives an account of his project for the construction of a tunnel through the Karawanken. It may also be interesting to note that regular postal connections already had a tradition of more than a hundred years when the book was issued.

As concerning river traffic, the most important was that along the Sava and Ljubljanica: small boats were chiselled from tree trunks, whereas the larger ones were made of boards.

Transport by rafts and ferries was also developed and made use of all suitable waterways, including lakes. There are, in addition, descriptions of sea transport, particularly in the Gulfs of Trieste and Rijeka, and its link to transportation by land and rivers.

Valvasor devoted much of his time to observation of animal flight. In his book he gives accounts of fantastic cases of flying such as that of witches and dragons. His illustrations often contain allegorical motifs of flying. The myth of Daedalus and Icarus was illustrated in his editions of Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

Written Mario Pleničar, 1989

Abstract

Valvasor was the first to mention ore deposits in the territory of Slovenia. He wrote about Idrija where mercury was obtained, Malnek (Maljek) in the hills of Posavje, and about iron ore deposits and ironwork, which was a booming industry at that time. There is, of course, no reference to coal and coal mines, since it was only in the 18th century, and the early 19th, that the first coal mines were opened in this country.

Valvasor wrote extensively about the Idrija mine, the process of obtaining mercury and the diseases and habits of miners. Most of his attention, however, was devoted to iron, because Carniola used to be part of the Roman province Noricum, famed for steel production and products made of steel and iron, while ironwork in Bohinj may go back even to prehistoric times. Iron mines described by Valvasor were mainly deposits of “bobovec”, i.e., pisolitic bog iron. This had been collected for the needs of ironworks of Bohinj, Železniki, and Kropa since the 14th century. Similar kind of iron ore was collected also in Lower Carniola. In addition to deposits of pisolitic bog iron, which is relatively poor in iron content, Valvasor must have taken into account the iron ore deposits present in the Sava caves, which he referred to as the Sava mine. This ore was, according to Valvasor, “as white as the whitest alabaster”. In the Sava caves, the iron ore siderite is mined, consisting chiefly of iron carbonate, which is pale in colour; thus it may be concluded that it is the same ore deposit. It is also interesting to note that Valvasor mentions the first mining law in the country, which was passed by the emperor Ferdinand I in 1550.