Magnificent Maps

"The exhibition include large-scale, impressive maps from the 1400s to the present day, including the largest atlas in the world, the Klencke Atlas of 1660. It suggests the settings in which they might originally have been seen – from the palace to the schoolroom and the home – reveals the themes that unite them, and highlights the sheer artistry that was involved in their production.

Magnificent Maps will also explore the reason behind the construction of these visually arresting works of art. Which range from maps used for indoctrination or expressions of local pride to irrefutable statements of power and illustrations of rulers' spheres of influence."

And an interesting article from The Independent.

Magnificent Maps: Power, Propaganda and Art is at the British Library, London NW1, from 30 April to 19 September.