EXPLORE THE WORLD OF ANTIQUE MAPS

Ivan Kirilov's general map of Russia was the first produced by a Russian. In 1727, before Kirilov decided to publish this map, he invited a leading French map maker, Guillaume de L'Isle to help him. However, de L'Isle insisted on using his own information, even though Kirilov had carried out his own surveys in Russia. In 1734, because of continuing delays, Kirilov decided to publish his own atlas of maps of the various parts of Russia adding his general map as the crowning item. It was sold by the Russian Naval Academy for one rouble. In 1745, because of complaints by de L'Isle, the academy withdrew the atlas. It was not sold after this date. Hence it is extremely rare. Kirilov died in 1737.