Ludwig Schwartz (1822–1894) was a Russian astronomer, explorer of Eastern Siberia and the Far East, a laureate of the Demidov Prize, member of the Russian Geographical Society and the Russian Astronomical Society.
Schwarz was born in Danzig (presently Gdansk) and grew up in St. Petersburg. Having graduated Baron Wrangel from the University of Dorpat (Tartu), he became a research associate at the local astronomical observatory. On the recommendation of Academician V. Struve, he was assigned for the position of an astronomer in the Transbaikal Expedition of N. Agte. In addition to participating in the compilation of the final map, Schwartz discovered and characterized Verkhnezeyskaya Plain, and also the Turan Ridge in cooperation with topographer S. Krutiv and draughtsman A. Argunov; besides, he acquired the first information about the Aldan Mountains.
In 1853, the Geographic Society organized a large expedition, which was set two tasks, namely, to compile an accurate and detailed map of Southeastern Siberia and to study the geological structure and mineral wealth of the region. The expedition was accordingly divided into two "sections": mathematical and physical. The first one was headed by Ludwig Schwartz.
In 1858, in the central part of the Western Sayan Mountains, on the right bank of the Yenisei, Schwarz discovered five short mountain ranges. On the basis of the gained materials, he compiled a detailed map of the Transbaikal and the Amur territories, which for a long time provided the only basis for further exploration of these regions.
After the expedition had been accomplished, Ludwig Schwarz returned to the Dorpat Observatory and took the position of its Director and a professor of astronomy at the local university.
The main illustration shows the bust of L. Schwartz by sculptor A. Chebanenko against the background of a map of his travels and the RGS logo; the commemorative stamp features images symbolizing the geographic projects.
In addition to the issue of the postcard with a commemorative stamp, JSC Marka produced special cancels for Moscow, St. Petersburg and Penza.
Design Artist: S. Kapranov.
Quantity: 6.5 thousand postcards.
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