On the occasion of the celebration of the centenary of Finnish independence, the Association “Giovane Europa” from Ascoli Piceno, Italy, is proposing the exhibition “Finland in Ancient Cartography” with the collaboration of the Italian Embassy in Helsinki, the Italian Culture Institute in Helsinki and the National Archives of Finland, and in partnership with Finlandia-Italia Ry as well as Niinivirta European Cargo Oy.
The exhibition will be focused on the depiction of Finland and it will offer a journey through ancient cartography history and the representation of the Country from XVI to XX century.
An in-depth analysis will be dedicated to satirical cartography from the end of XIX century to First World War, since those historical facts are strictly connected to Finnish independence. More than 40 maps will be displayed in the exhibition from Gianni Brandozzi Collection and the National Archives of Finland.
It will also be an opportunity to admire rare and ancient maps such as Munster’s 1550 Universal Cosmography, in which Europe is depicted with the unusual orientation south-north, and also more recent works of satirical nature. In fact, during the centuries, cartography has changed its shape by assuming symbolic features and becoming a narrator of politics and history. This is why at the beginning of the XX century European maps have been enriched by satirical comics, humorously describing the tensions between various European countries at the rise of First World War. The cartographic collection has been produced by a number of eminent journalists and cartographers of the time, such as Fred Rose (England) and Galantara (Italy), artists capable to incorporate symbols into the complex social context of the Great War. This period assumes much importance, as those series of events led Finland to political independence.
The exhibition in the National Archives of Finland (Rauhankatu 17, Helsinki) will be open from the 21st of September to the 17th of November during the National Archives opening hours.
