- 54
Kirilov, Ivan.
Description
- Generalnaya karta o Rossiiskoi imperii. Imperii Russici tabula generalis. St Petersburg, 1734, 555 x 900mm., large engraved map on 2 sheets joined, map in contemporary body colour, upper and lower borders cut to neatline and remargined, some loss at lower edge replaced in facsimile, folds strengthened
- paper
Literature
Bagrow, "Ivan Kirilov, compiler of the first Russian atlas, 1689-1737", Imago Mundi 2 (1937), 78-82
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The first accurate map of Russia, from the first atlas of Russia.
Ivan Kirilov is important as "one of the most enlightened Russians of the early eighteenth century, one of the first of Russian map-makers to apply Western-European methods of cartography, and also is notable as the first head of a government institution set up in Russia to deal with cartographical affairs" (Bagrow), who undertook an ambitious survey intended to make an atlas of Russia.
Unfortunately, Kirilov died early, exhausted by his labours, and only part of the Atlas Imperii Russici appeared in print during his lifetime. After his death, the printing plates were acquired by the Russian Academy of Sciences, and suppressed, in favour of their own atlas of Russia - the Atlas Russicus compiled by Joseph-Nicolas Delisle (see lot 66), hence the rarity of the atlas, and individual maps, today.
"The general map of Russia included in this atlas, while not giving very many details, is yet the earliest map that actually presents Russia as a whole on more or less accurate lines, together with her sea coasts and network of rivers" (Bagrow).