In a Fine Contemporary Binding
Russian Mnemonic Atlas: Scenes of Science and Industry, History, and the Bible
A beautifully bound Russian pictorial work, containing a suite of 54 engraved plates depicting Biblical and historical scenes, issued during (or soon after) the reign of Catherine II. The engraved plates, while unsigned, are expertly done and highly detailed, and depict scenes from the Bible, as well as views of trade and industry, agriculture, science and medicine. The scenes of industry and trades are somewhat in the style of Diderot. Each plate is divided into multiple panels (about a dozen separate images each, sometimes more), clearly intended for instructional or educational use. The engravings include pictorial elements, likely intended as mnemonic devices to help the reader better remember the Bible. The juxtaposition of images in the volume is at times quite fascinating: plate no. 9 shows Abraham about to sacrifice his son Isaac above which is illustrated a human sacrifice by Native Americans, perhaps intended to be Aztecs. The individual scenes are variously numbered or lettered.
The first plate in the volume is a fine allegorical image of Clio, muse of history, "revealing" knowledge (by opening a curtain) to four cherubs, with scenes from the Bible on the wall, and large books on the floor. A Latin inscription referencing Clio is readily visible on the table: Clio gesta canens bransadi temporis edit (followed by a Russian translation). The second plate includes a portrait of Catherine the Great surrounded by allegorical figures, with several silhouettes of the royal family. Plate no. 1 is representative of the topics covered throughout the atlas: scenes from the Bible, including the animals of Noah Ark, astronomical and celestial charts and globes, and historical and agricultural scenes.
A wunderkammer or cabinet of curiosity and a magician performing tricks appear on plate 14.
A beautifully illustrated and sumptuously-bound Russian mnemotic atlas with fine engraved plates, clearly a luxury production printed on fine thick laid paper.