Map of the Seventeen Netherlandish Provinces in the Shape of the Belgic Lion, Hessel Gerritsz, 1656
engraving, h 440mm × w 565mm More details
The map of the Netherlands is here depicted in the shape of the Leo Belgicus (the Belgic Lion). During the Eighty Years’ War (1568-1648) it was a powerful symbol of the desired unity of the Netherlandish provinces. Many maps of this kind appeared in that period and remained popular even after the Revolt. This one was issued at least five times between 1609 and 1656.
