World culture: Exhibition “Foreign atlases and maps of XVI-XVIII centuries” dedicated to the anniversary of Gerard Mercator in Moscow

May 16, 2012 in the Russian State Library (Moscow) opened an exhibition, dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the outstanding scientist-cartographer Gerard Mercator (1512-1594), “Foreign atlases and maps of the XVI—XVIII centuries”. The department of cartographic publications for the first time demonstrates stored in its fund early printed cartographic works of Western European production.

Flemish scientist Mercator is considered to be the founder of the scientific cartography: his maps were based on careful examination of all available materials of that time. They all distinguished in accuracy, elegant design and visibility, and were drawn in strictly certain projections. Gerard Mercator is widely known as the author of map projections, bearing his name and being in use up to date.

The cartographer and geographer Mercator was called Ptolemy of his century. Thank to his efforts the engraved maps were published for the new edition of “Ptolemy’s Geography” of 1578, after which he started to create the atlas. The first part (51 maps of France, Germany and Belgium) appeared in 1585, the second (23 maps of Italy and Greece) – in 1590, and the third one (36 maps of British Isles) was published ten years after author’s death by his son Rumold.

The exhibition presents unique atlases and maps various in topic, design and purpose. Visitors can see a rare exhibit – atlas “Geography” of Claudius Ptolemy, published by Gerard Mercator in 1578. Two copies of this edition are stored in the fund; one of them was part of the count’s N. P. Rumyantsev collection. Atlases and maps of famous Dutch masters like J. Hondius, V. Blau, and J. Jansson who continued the Mercator’s work are on display as well.

The exposition includes general geographic, political and administrative, military, educational atlases of the XVIII century, published in Germany, France, and Holland. Maps of that period are made by famous German masters-cartographers, engravers and publishers – M. Zoyter, T. Lotter and others. On the map of Flanders, charted by I. Homann, is indicated a small town Rupelmonde where Mercator was born in 1512.

The modern part of the exposition consists of atlases on the history of cartography, reproducing fine examples of the world cartographical heritage. On these pages are reproduced maps of Gerard Mercator as well as scientific studies about him.