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This anthropomorphic map of Russia, published in Geographical Fun (London, 1868), presents the country as a composite figure of a bear and a bearded man in traditional Russian attire.
The bear, long associated with Russia in Western political caricature, symbolizes the nation's perceived strength and formidable presence in European affairs. The human figure, clad in a fur hat and richly decorated robes, likely represents the Russian autocracy, hinting at the empire’s rigid hierarchy and its rulers’ tight grip on power.
The map incorporates geographical elements seamlessly into its composition, with the bear’s body extending across the Russian Empire’s vast territory. The depiction emphasizes Russia’s immense size and its dominance over Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The bear’s open mouth, facing westward, may suggest Russia’s assertive stance in European politics, reflecting 19th-century tensions with Western nations.
At the bottom of the map, a poetic caption references notable Russian rulers, including Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, and Alexander I, while mentioning "Mad Paul" (likely Tsar Paul I, known for his erratic rule). The concluding lines—“In Eagles, Priests, and Bears supreme is reckoned”—allude to Russia’s emblematic double-headed eagle, the influence of the Orthodox Church, and the enduring association with the bear as a national symbol.
The Geographical Fun atlas, to which this map belongs, was a playful yet insightful work that combined satire with cartography. Though attributed to a young girl, Lilian Lancaster, the maps are widely believed to have been the creation of William Harvey (1796–1873), a London doctor and journalist. His work captured the shifting political landscapes of Europe in the mid-19th century, with each country depicted as a humorous yet telling caricature of its national identity. The Victorian fascination with educational entertainment is evident in this work, as it blends geography with artistic and political commentary.
![ЛЕНИНГРАД СПУТНИК ТУРИСТА [Leningrad Tourist Companion]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/54850.jpg)
![The Eagle Map of the United States Engraved For Rudiments of National Knowledge. 1833. [with:] Rudiments of National Knowledge, Presented To The Youth Of The United States, And To Enquiring Foreigners. By A Citizen Of Pennsylvania.](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/86933.jpg)
