The great genius’ divinatory glance : A study about the depiction of Carl Linnaeus’ expedition to Sápmi in the commemorations to his birth and death in 1807, 1878, 1907, 1978 and 2007

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to investigate how Carl Linnaeus’ (1707-1778) expedition to Sápmi (‘Lapland’) 1732 was depicted in the centennial, bicentennial and tricentennial commemoration of his birth in 1807, 1907 and 2007 and the centennial and bicentennial remembrance to his death in 1878 and 1978. It will, furthermore, examine if the celebrations of his expedition were also used to legitimize the Swedish colonialization of Sápmi. The source material are speeches given at the commemorations and articles published in conjunction with the remembrance of Linnaeus. The essay concludes that the commemorations of the 19th century were characterized by an inclination to portray the dangers of his expedition. This focus point, however, gradually shifted towards praising the scientific aspects and accolades of the expedition during the 20th and the 21st centuries. The appreciation of Linnaeus character in association with the journey remained a constant during all commemorations, with some exceptions. The conclusion regarding the legitimizing aspect, is that the majority of the 19th and early 20th century commemorations partially, at least legitimized the fiscal approach that the expedition had. However, the celebrations in 1978 and 2007 lacked this aspect