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“Trakošćan: Three Foundations of Power” Exhibition at the Sacred Hearts Gallery in Pula
“Trakošćan: Three Foundations of Power” Exhibition at the Sacred Hearts Gallery in Pula
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION:
The official opening of the exhibition will take place on Thursday, 10 September, at 7:00 PM at the Sacred Hearts Museum and Gallery in Pula.
The exhibition brings together three previously presented exhibition themes: Trakošćan: From Burg to Museum, The Soldiers of Count Josip Kazimir Drašković and Who Marries Whom?, connecting them into a broader story about the life and social position of the nobility.
The first section is dedicated to Trakošćan and its development over almost seven centuries. From the medieval fortress and Gothic additions, through the acquisition of Trakošćan by the Drašković family, to its transformations in the 19th century and its conversion into a museum, the history of the castle shows how a space changed alongside the families and society that shaped it. Trakošćan is presented not only as a valuable example of architectural heritage, but also as a space of life, representation and family identity.
The second section tells the story of Count Josip Kazimir Drašković’s military career and the military world of the 18th century. Military service was an important means of acquiring and affirming prestige, while investment in one’s own banderium, military equipment and representative depictions of military power reflected the ambitions and social standing of the family. Portraits of officers, painted wallpapers depicting military units, genealogy, weapons, flags and sabres bring this world closer to visitors.
The third section, Who Marries Whom?, explores aristocratic marriages and their role in creating social, economic and political ties. Using the Drašković family as an example, it shows how families, property and interests became interconnected across generations, and how marital alliances could influence wealth, prestige and political influence. Particular attention is given to marriage contracts, dowries and the role of noblewomen in managing estates and preserving family identity and heritage.
Together, the three sections tell a story of space and property, military power, and family connections as important foundations of aristocratic power. By bringing together different sources and objects, the exhibition offers a broader perspective on the history of Trakošćan and the Drašković family, as well as on the society and values of the period in which they lived.
The exhibition Trakošćan: Three Foundations of Power in Pula provides an opportunity to present the rich heritage of Trakošćan to a new audience and, through a different perspective, to open up questions about power, family, status and the way of life of the Croatian nobility.
