Exhibitions: “Russian map: from drawing to print” exhibition launched in Moscow

Until August 31, 2011 the Cartographic Department of the Russian State Library (Moscow) is running the exhibition entitled “Russian map: from drawing to print”. The exhibition puts on display atlases and maps dating from 18th-19th cc. which vary according to the technique, subject and design. It illustrates the process of establishment of Russian cartography — from primitive drawings to accurate maps and plans.

All handwritten editions are extremely rare with only one copy to survive. For example, “Atlas of Smolensk Governorate”, “Plans of towns of districts and suburbs of Moscow Governorate”, “Map of St. Petersburg Governorate...”

The selection of engraved editions is opened by prints on wooden plates, whose authors were monks, including plans of Solovki and Anzer Islands and “The cave of Reverend Father Anthony of Kiev”.    Visitors may familiarize themselves with valuable samples of prints on copper plates, such as the first “General map of the Russian Empire” (1734) and “Atlas compiled for the youth” (1737). Town plans feature rare editions: “St. Petersburg in Yahr 1716” and the “Plan of Imperial Capital City of Moscow” (1739).

The 19th century is characterized by the rapid growth of the war topography in Russia. Cartographic works were not only accurate, but featured elegant decorative elements. The exposition includes genuine masterpieces of decorative art — maps of maneuvers and dispositions of armies, that were created especially for private libraries of Emperors and members of Tsarist families. “Plan of the city of Peterhof and Alexandria” by G.L. Schubert was a part of the library of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, while the “Map of Asian Russia and adjacent possessions” belonged to Nikolai II.