The Rostock Grand Atlas - Third largest book in the world on display again after ten years
According to the Rostock University, the third largest book in the world, which has been visible to the public again since Sunday for the first time in ten years, is being exhibited at the Cultural Historical Museum Rostock in cooperation with the Special Collections of the University Library until October 6th. The Rostocker Great Atlas is being shown in the exhibition "I, Christian I. Louis. The Rostocker Great Atlas and a Picture of Power." Due to conservation reasons, the 1.66 meter high and over two meter wide book, when open, is rarely displayed, the last time being in 2013.
The Atlas is from Amsterdam
With its 32 large-format wall charts, the Atlas shows the image of the world in the 17th century as seen from Europe, according to the University. The Atlas was therefore produced in Amsterdam in 1664. The 360th birthday of this monumental cartographic work is the reason for the special exhibition. The Rostocker Great Atlas is said to be one of three giant atlases that were created in the publishing house of the Dutch cartographer and copperplate engraver Joan Blaeu (1596-1673) in the 17th century.
A Duke on a perpetual European tour
Duke Christian I. Louis lived from 1623 to 1692 and is considered by historians to be a brilliant figure. He spent a large part of his reign in France and the Netherlands. The exhibition, according to the museum, will provide insight into the courtly world of the 17th century and attempt to find the motivations of the Duke, who decided to embark on a lifelong Grand Tour through the centers of European culture instead of ruling on site.
The Rostocker Great Atlas was created in the city of Amsterdam. The exhibition is taking place in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, specifically in Rostock, at the Cultural Historical Museum Rostock and the Special Collections of the University Library. Despite being from Amsterdam, the Atlas is currently being showcased in Germany. The Duke who encouraged the creation of the Atlas, Duke Christian I. Louis, spent a significant portion of his reign touring France and the Netherlands.
