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Date: Wed, 3 Apr 2002 17:28:21 -0500
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Scandinavian maps exhibition
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Dear mapsters,
See below for information on an upcoming exhibition and symposium on the
mapping of Scandinavia...

                                                      For Immediate Release
                                                                 March 2002


        EXHIBITION OF RARE EARLY MAPS TO OPEN AT SCANDINAVIA HOUSE
 Scandia: Important Early Maps of the Northern Regions and Maps and Charts
                                 of Norway
          from the Collection of William B. and Inger G. Ginsberg
                        April 17 ? August 16, 2002


     The exhibition Scandia: Important Early Maps of the Northern Regions
and Maps and Charts of Norway from the Collection of William B. and Inger
G. Ginsberg opens at Scandinavia House on April 17.  On view through August
16, 2002, this exhibition of 76 early maps and sea charts presents some of
the most significant maps in the history of printed cartography of
Scandinavia and Norway.  The exhibition also includes half a dozen
historically important world maps that illustrate the context in which the
mapping of Scandinavia took place.
     From antiquity to the present day, cartography has both enhanced and
reflected our understanding of the world.  Ancient maps depict gods and
monsters, celestial bodies, and earthly terrain, demonstrating not only
man's knowledge of natural boundaries, but his view of his place in the
world.  This exhibition celebrates the earliest maps of Scandinavia, from
the first map of the area in 1482, to the sumptuous maps of the major
cartographers of the 17th century, to the detailed maps made by 19th
century Scandinavians.  The diversity of source, purpose, and function of
these maps, together with their elements of science and fantasy, decoration
and utility, and history and propaganda, make them fascinating objects for
study, appreciation, and enjoyment.
     Edward P. Gallagher, President of The American-Scandinavian Foundation
(ASF), says, "For more than 90 years, the ASF has been dedicated to
increasing the understanding and appreciation of Scandinavia in the United
States.  The exhibition accomplishes this admirably while also providing a
broad historical perspective and unique visual pleasures.  We extend our
hearty thanks to Inger and William Ginsberg for sharing their collection
and vision with us."
     While the maps in the exhibition contain elaborate decorative
elements, they have been selected primarily for their importance in the
history of cartography.  They include maps printed from wood blocks and
from copper plates, maps contained in books of maps (though not necessarily
atlases in the modern sense of the word), maps published separately, and
maps included as illustrations in books.
     The first part of the exhibition, "Important Early Maps of the
Northern Regions," covers the earliest period of printed maps of
Scandinavia, specifically 1482 to 1601.  The 43 maps comprising this
section include the first printed map of Scandinavia (published in Ulm in
1482), maps of Scandinavia and Denmark from the first modern atlas
(published by Abraham Ortelius in 1570), and rare world maps by Gastaldi
(1546) and Rosaccio (a wall map first published in 1597).
     The second part is devoted to "Maps of Norway, 1602-1795" and "Sea
Charts of Norway, 1585-1798."  Among the 33 maps in this section are the
first map showing Norway alone, the first map of Norway drawn and issued by
a Norwegian cartographer, and a sea chart from the first official coastal
survey of Norway.

Gallery talks will be held at 12:30 p.m. on four Tuesdays: April 30, May 7
and 21, and June 4.


SYMPOSIUM: Mapping the Scene: Antique Maps and the 21st Century
This symposium explores both the practical aspects of developing a map
collection and the intellectual pursuit and study of historical documents.
Moderated by John Noble Wilford, senior science writer at The New York
Times and author of The Mapmakers (Knopf, 2000), the panel will include
Robert Augustyn, partner, Martayan Lan, Inc. Fine Antique Maps and Rare
Books, New York; Alice C. Hudson, Chief, Map Division, The New York Public
Library; and Dr. Seymour Schwartz, map collector and author of The Mapping
of America (Abrams, 1980), which has recently been released in a new
edition.

Saturday, April 20, 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15, $10 American-Scandinavian Foundation members


Publication
An 96-page catalogue with 76 illustrations, many in color, will be
available for $25 in The Shop@Scandinavia House.  The catalogue provides
extensive discussion of the relevant history of cartography and of the most
important cartographers of these areas.  It also includes a selective
annotated bibliography pointing the way to relevant reference material for
the viewer of this exhibition who is interested in learning more about
cartography in general or the mapping of Scandinavia and Norway in
particular.

Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America
Scandinavia House is the home of The American-Scandinavian Foundation,
which has been promoting educational and cultural exchange between the U.S.
and the Nordic countries since 1910.  The center brings to life the rich
cultures and traditions of the five Nordic countries ? Denmark, Finland,
Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
A destination for New Yorkers and visitors to the city, Scandinavia House
presents a wide variety of exhibitions and programs, including films,
concerts, lectures, and additional events encompassing the visual and
performing arts, literature, technology, science and business.

Scandinavia House is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00
to 6:00 p.m.  Transportation:  By bus, Number 1, 2, 3, or 4 up Madison
Avenue; Number 1, 2, 3, or 5 down Fifth Avenue.  By subway, Number 6 to
33rd Street, Number 4, 5, 6, 7, or S to 42nd Street/Grand Central Station.

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF)
Founded in 1910, the ASF serves as the leading educational and cultural
link between the United
States and the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway,
and Sweden.  It is a publicly-supported, nonprofit organization that
provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and cultural understanding and
carries on an extensive program of fellowships, grants, trainee placement,
publishing, membership offerings, and cultural activities.  The Foundation
has more than 6,000 members throughout the United States, and alumni and
donors worldwide.  It is governed by a Board of Trustees that includes
individuals from the United States and Scandinavia.  The five Nordic heads
of state serve as the Foundation's patrons.


Public Information:  For information about exhibitions and other programs
at Scandinavia House, the public should contact The American-Scandinavian
Foundation at 212-879-9779.

Press Information:  For additional information or visual materials, the
press should contact Joan Jastrebski at 212-847-9717 or [log in to unmask]





Alice C. Hudson
Chief, Map Division
The Humanities and Social Sciences Library
The New York Public Library
5th Avenue & 42nd Street, Room 117
New York, NY 10018-2788

[log in to unmask]; 212-930-0589; fax 212-930-0027

http://nypl.org/research/chss/map/map.html

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