De Bello Belgico decas II Famiani Stradae Rom. SOC. Iesu

Title

De Bello Belgico decas II Famiani Stradae Rom. SOC. Iesu

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, miniature version of the Leo Belgicus is based on the original 1538 Aitsinger form with the lion standing facing right with the right paw raised and holding a shield. This version is beautifully engraved with a stippled sea filled with ships, a sea monster and a compass rose. The De Bello Belgico, written by Famianus Strada, a Jesuit and teacher at the Collegium Romanum in Rome, was a pro-Spanish and pro-Catholic book on the Dutch war of independence.

dated 1648

Artist

Strada