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Visscher, C.J.
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
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.
- Claes Jansz. Visscher
must have acquired
the copper plate from
Henricus Hondius
already around 1641
and not as suggested
by Günter Schilder and Henk van der Heijden in 1650 at the death of Henricus
Hondius.
- With the discovery of this example of Visscher’s edition, with the date 1641, it
becomes much clearer why Visscher dated the map 1641 and why he added the
medallions portraits of Archduke Ferdinand (governor 1 634-1641) and Prince
Frederik Hendrik of Orange (Stadholder 1625-1647) to the plate. To insert these
new portraits the title had to be moved and broken off, the tail of the lion shortened
and lowered.
- The text panel is also updated. The last lines of the Dutch text now read : (...) ende
hooggeborene Ferdinandus Infans Cardinael en de Edelen en meer dan Martium
Frederik Hendrick die beyde tegenwoordelick regiere. So Ferdinandus was still alive at
the date of publication.
- Other changes included the adornment of the sea, which was changed completely
and was now filled with nine vessels.
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