C.J. VISSCHER

Leo Belgicus map with an unrecorded date (1641).

It is well-known that the 'Leo' maps are a symbol of strength and bravery in their heraldic representation. The series of Leo-maps should be placed in the context of the Eighty Years' War or "Dutch War of Independence" (1566-1648). They symbolized the revolt of the Seven United Provinces of the Netherlands against the Spanish (Habsburg) Empire.

LEO BELGICUS. Johan van Doetechum fecit [Amsterdam] C.J.Visscher Excudit, Anno 1641. (Amsterdam, 1641) 34.0 x 55.0 cm. Original o/l. colours. Margins cut to the plate mark, with some very minor fraying along lower part. Repair of a tear 5cm. into engraved area, next to lower part center fold. A very good and dark impression. Only know example. 

States.

The uptil now three known states (1598, 1630 and 1650) are described in :

- H.A.M. van der Heijden, Leo Belgicus, Alphen a/d Rijn, 2006, map 3, pages 31-35.

- G.Schilder, Monumenta, Vol. VI., map 50.

This 1641 state is unknown to Prof. G.Schilder (and Van der Heijden) and is unrecorded.

- First state: 2 copies are recorded.

- Second state, 2 copies are recorded. When Henricus Hondius of the Hague acquired the copper plate from the Van Doetecum family (between 1626 and 1630) and republished the map in 1630 he did update the coat of arms of England.

Although Prince Maurice and the Archduke Albert had already died, the captions below their medallions remained unchanged.

- Third state (now fourth state) : C.J. Visscher, dated 1650, 8 examples are located by van der Heijden and prof. Schilder and recently one other example sold at Sotheby's. London, 9th May, 1212, lot 47. 

Price on request

OFFERED BY CartaHistorica

3080 Edelweisslaan 13

Belgium

telephone: +32 49 658 8110

email : info@cartahistorica

www.cartahistorica.com