Among the most interesting decorative works of cartography is a series of arresting maps showing The Netherlands and Belgium in the shape of a lion. This wonderful version of the Leo Belgicus is based on the original 1583 Aitsinger form with the lion standing facing right with the right paw raised and holding a shield. This version is beautifully engraved with three ships and a sea monster filling the sea. This engraving served as the frontispiece for De Bello Belgico, written by Famianus Strada, a Jesuit and teacher at the Collegium Romanum in Rome, which was a pro-Spanish and pro-Catholic book on the Dutch war of independence.

References: Tooley (MCC-7) #29.

Condition: A

A crisp impression with a few small worm tracks at bottom right that have been professionally repaired, with a minute amount of the image skillfully replaced in facsimile.