"De Bello Belgico Decas II Famiani Stradae Rom. Soc. Iesu.", Strada, Famiamo, S.J.
Subject: Cartographic Miscellany, Low Countries, Title Pages
Period: 1648 (published)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
3.7 x 6 inches
9.4 x 15.2 cm
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) #25.
Condition: B+
A nice impression on a lightly toned sheet with hinge tape along the edges of the sheet on verso.
