“Where was Russia in the 16th Century?” lecture at Museum of Russian Icons

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“Where was Russia in the 16th Century?” lecture at Museum of Russian Icons
Dr. Denis Khotimsky. Photo/Submitted

Clinton – The Museum of Russian Icons will be hosting a lecture on “Where was Russia in the 16th Century?” with curator Dr. Denis Khotimsky Thursday, March 22 at 7 p.m. The lecture is being presented in conjunction with the current exhibition, Maps: Pathways to Russia.

Dr. Khotimsky will explain the difficulties the modern observer faces when interpreting an old map of Russia and will offer tools that help overcome them. He will also speak about some legends, myths, and secrets of medieval Russian cartography that survive and flourish today.

When looking at a map printed centuries ago, today's observer may find familiar places, like Russia, Lithuania or Poland, and some that look strange and confusing, like Tartaria or Podolia. While it's normal to try to associate those names with the present-day geography, seemingly obvious associations may create confusion. A medieval printed map is an historic document that brings you face to face with its creator. The map is a window that leads directly into the world of that person. However, there are historical, political and linguistic barriers that may obscure access to the map's author.

The lecture and exhibition complements the Museum of Russian Icons collection of more than 500 Russian icons and artifacts; the collection is the largest of its kind in North America, and one of the largest private collections outside Russia.

Admission is $7 for museum members and $10 for nonmembers. Advance purchase of tickets is recommended. For more information, visit www.museumofrussianicons.org or call 978-598-5000. The Museum of Russian Icons is located at 203 Union St., Clinton.

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