Antique maps and rare books depicting Jerusalem showcased in exhibition
November 13-December 14, 2012
Smathers Library (East) Gallery (second floor)
Gallery Talk:
Sunday December 9, 2012 3:00 pm – 4:00pm
Smathers Library Gallery, 2nd Floor
Join Curators Rebecca Jefferson and Carol McAuliffe for an afternoon discussion about selected items featured in Imagining Jerusalem.
The George A. Smathers Libraries will present Imagining Jerusalem to coincide with the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Imagining Jerusalem showcases antique maps, historic photographs and rare books depicting, idealizing and imagining the Holy City of Jerusalem.
In ancient times, Jerusalem was seen as the center of the physical world. Presently, it is the spiritual center for three of the world’s major religions. The many imaginings and re-imaginings of this holy city have inspired the creation of countless pieces of art, poetry and prose, and have certainly influenced mapmaking. Based on sacred and historic texts, personal accounts and, of course, artistic musings, these maps and other artifacts provide a window into the real, spiritual and imagined world of Jerusalem.
The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Map and Imagery Library and the Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica at the University of Florida. It marks the 20th anniversary of an important donation of antique Holy Land maps by James C. and Adina P. Simmons of Tel-Aviv, Israel, and Tallahassee, Florida.
Imagining Jerusalem is curated by Rebecca Jefferson, Head of the Isser and Rae Price Library of Judaica and Carol McAuliffe, map librarian at the Map and Imagery Library, Spatial Information Services Unit.
Exhibition available online at http://exhibits.uflib.ufl.edu/imaginingjerusalem
Opening reception:
Thursday November 15, 2012 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Smathers Library 1A
Special Guest Dr. Elizabeth Ross, assistant professor of art history, University of Florida.
Dr. Ross’ research focuses on 15th and 16th-century art in Europe, including the history of travel and cartography, the art of prints, and history of the book. Her book on Bernhard von Breydenbach’s 1486 Peregrinatio in terram sanctam (Journey to the Holy Land) will be published by Penn State University Press in 2013.
Light refreshments will be provided.