The famous Hermitage Museum has opened on December the 9th a fascinating exhibition dedicated to the presence of heraldic art in the world of books, or how these elements were used to create precious volumes of great historical and cultural value. The title of the exhibition " Eagles and Lions United. Heraldic art in books" might seem confusing for the modern day visitator, but in the 18th century was common knowledge. The title is actually a verse form the Derzhavin's Chorus for Peace of Sweden, written for the end of the war between Russia and Sweden. The eagle is the symbol of Russia, while the lion is a symbol of Sweden, as each one was present on the country's coat of arms.
More than a hundred books have been carefully chosen for this cultural event, dating from the 15th century to the first decade of the 20th century, divided into two sections : the Russian and the Western European one. The Russian books have meny heraldry elements, on the front page, on the frontispieces, later on the book binding. In the second part of the exhibition, due to the richness and variety of the sources, which include maps and geographical atlases, the visitors are in for a treat.
Heraldry elements, such as coat of arms, were used on maps to indicate not only kingdoms, states, towns, monasteries or private properties, but also to trace the boundaries of the teritories and to indicate to which country a certain colony belonged.
December 2006
