The Masterpieces of Russian Cartography of the XVIII-th century

Map from the Russian Geographic Society funds
Map from the Russian Geographic Society funds

The Masterpieces of Russian Cartography of the XVIIIth century: there is being open the exhibition in Petersburg, where the curiosities from the funds of the Russian Geographical Society are presented.

The 28th of December at 19:00 there will take place the opening ceremony of the exhibition «The Masterpieces of Russian Cartography of the XVIIIth century».

The unique map collection of the Russian Geographical Society began forming since the moment of the foundation of the organization. At the heart of the collection there are works, created by full members of the Society in expeditions and research, and the gifts of the patrons as well. The cartographic materials of the Society were not fully accessible for a considerable period at the end of the XX century.

Today, thanks to the work of stock, which has been done, it has become possible for the first time in a long time to submit the public a part of them.

The materials of the exhibition «The Masterpieces of Russian Cartography of the XVIIIth century. From the funds of the Russian Geographical Society» are dedicated to the one of most important periods in the cartography of Russia - its formation in the works of the Imperial Academy of Sciences.

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Map from the Russian Geographic Society funds
Map from the Russian Geographic Society funds

The Geographical Department of the Academy of Sciences has done scaled on the volumes work and extremely important for the development of national geography for the long-term period of the cartographic activities. There have been issued 324 printed maps and has been accumulated extensive fund of 790 handwritten maps of Russia and the regions, which had been serving the material for map making works. It has been the only scientific geographical and cartographic center in the country, combining research and practical functions, during all the XVIII-th century. The works of the Department are making one of the major achievements of the Academy of Sciences in the XVIII-th century according to their scientific, social and national importance.

The first complete Atlas of the Russian Empire in 1745, is having a special meaning among the maps, presented at the exposition. The creation of it is being the one of the most important milestones in the history of the Russian cartography. The Atlas has a great artistic decor in addition to its scientific value. The elements of it are used in the design of the exhibition space as well.

At the heart of the exhibition – are the numerous maps of the Russian provinces and governorships, having been issued during the whole XVIII-th century. The central place at the exposition is given to the famous plan of St. Petersburg of the year of 1753, being recognized as a masterpiece of the Russian engraving art, and to the plan of Moscow of 1765. These two works of art are being decorated by the paintings of the well-known artist Mikhail Makhaev (1717-1770). The value is being made by the unique maps of the theatre of the Russian-Turkish war of 1735-1739, having been performed on silk.

 

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Map from the Russian Geographic Society funds
Map from the Russian Geographic Society funds

There has been prepared the illustrated catalog of the exhibition by the opening of it, there have been provided more detailed information on the activities of the Geographical Department of the Academy of Sciences and the history of creation of the works presented, and bibliographic descriptions of them with annotations as well.

The exhibition will be open to the public from the 29th of December, 2016 in weekdays from 11:00 to 19:00. Each Wednesday there is being held an excursion by previous appointment by the phone 315-85-35.

You can see more maps from the collection of the Russian Geographical Society on the Geoportal.