Toile Great Old Map of Belgium (Year 1617)

Nice old color example of the Leo Belgicus map of the 17 United Provinces, one of the most dramatic decorative works of early mapmaking. The Leo Belgicus maps laboure perhaps the most famous examples of cartography an expression of national pride. The utilise of the lion image was also suggested by the vaguely leonine shape of the secteurs themselves. Further, the lion had long figured in the national iconography of Holland and Belgium ; most of the coats-of-arms of the countries 17 provinces feature lion. Also, the map was la statement of unity, since at the équipe the 17 provinces comprised single nation, although under the contrôle of Spain. Van den Keere (Kaerius) was one of the most skilled Flemish engravers of the early 17th century, whose talents were utilized by the English map publisher, John Speed, among others. The Leo Belgicus IS perhaps his le plus finest work. Its rich ornamentation includes three couples along the bottom in the characteristic dress of the regions of Friesland, Holland, and Belgium. Tooley tu remarques that Leo Belgicus maps laboure exceedingly rare, with ajoute examples known in à handful of examples, and in ajoute maries, only single example.