Rare Old Map of Royal Belgium by Visscher, 1690: Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, Lille, Caps et Marais d'Opale Park

Dive into the rich history of Royal Belgium with this meticulously detailed map by Nicolaes Visscher II, a renowned cartographer from the Dutch Golden Age. Created in 1690, the map's full name is 'Belgii Regii tabula, in qua omnes provinciae ad Hispanis ad annum 1684 possessae, nec non tam a Rege Galliae quam Batavis acquisitae', which translates to 'Map of the Kingdom of Belgium, in which all provinces possessed by the Spanish up to the year 1684, as well as those acquired by the King of France and the Dutch are shown'. This comprehensive title captures the intricate political divisions and regions depicted on the map.

This map is a window into the late 17th century Europe, a time of significant political and territorial changes. The five most notable locations featured are Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, Lille, and the Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park. Each city and landmark carries its own historical significance, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Brussels, the capital city, is beautifully represented, reflecting its status as a major hub for international politics. Ghent, one of the largest and richest cities of northern Europe during the Middle Ages, is depicted in all its glory. Antwerp, known for its long-standing role in diamond trade, and Lille, a city at the heart of several cultural influences, are also featured prominently. Lastly, the Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park, a stunning natural landmark, is included, showcasing the map's attention to both urban and natural landscapes.

This map is not just a piece of art, but a conversation starter, a historical document that allows you to trace the evolution of these regions over time. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cartography lover, or simply someone who appreciates fine art, this map of Royal Belgium by Nicolaes Visscher II offers a unique perspective on the world as it was known in 1690.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Spanish Possessions:

1. Brussels - Known as Bruxelles in French, it was the de facto capital of the Spanish Netherlands. Notable for its rich history and as a hub for international politics.
2. Antwerp - Known as Antwerpen in Dutch, it was one of the most important European ports and world centers of the diamond trade.
3. Ghent - Known as Gent in Dutch, it was one of the richest and largest cities in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages.
4. Bruges - Known as Brugge in Dutch, it was often referred to as "The Venice of the North" due to its extensive canal system.
5. Leuven - Notable for being the seat of the oldest Catholic university in existence, the University of Leuven.
6. Namur - Known as Namen in Dutch, it was a strategically important location at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers.
7. Mons - Known as Bergen in Dutch, it was a major textile center in the Middle Ages.
8. Mechelen - Known as Mechlin in English, it was a notable center of the arts during the Renaissance.
9. Ostend - Known as Oostende in Dutch, it was a significant port and fishing town.
10. Kortrijk - Known as Courtrai in French, it was an important center of the flax industry.
11. Tournai - Known as Doornik in Dutch, it was one of the oldest towns in Belgium.
12. Liège - Known as Luik in Dutch, it was a significant cultural, economic, and ecclesiastical center.
13. Aalst - Known as Alost in French, it was a notable center for the production of cloth.
14. Hasselt - It was an important center for the jenever (gin) industry.
15. Ypres - Known as Ieper in Dutch, it was a major center for the cloth industry.

French Acquisitions:

1. Lille - Known as Rijsel in Dutch, it was a city at the heart of several cultural influences.
2. Dunkirk - Known as Duinkerke in Dutch, it was a major port and has a rich maritime history.
3. Calais - It was the closest French town to England and was a major trading center.
4. Boulogne-sur-Mer - It was a significant port town and fishing center.
5. Arras - Known for its beautiful Flemish baroque architecture.
6. Amiens - Known for its Gothic cathedral, the largest in France.
7. Rouen - It was one of the largest and most prosperous cities of medieval Europe.
8. Le Havre - Known for its port, the second largest in France.
9. Dieppe - It was a significant port for trade with England.
10. Caen - Known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror.

Dutch Acquisitions:

1. Maastricht - Known for its medieval-era architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
2. Breda - Known for its historic city center.
3. Eindhoven - It was a major town for the linen industry.
4. 's-Hertogenbosch - Known as Den Bosch, it was a major trade city.
5. Nijmegen - Known for its historic city center and the surrounding nature.

Notable Natural Phenomena:

• The Meuse River - A major European river, notable for its picturesque landscapes.
• The Scheldt River - An important waterway, with Antwerp as its major port.
• The Ardennes - A region of extensive forests, hills, and ridges.
• The North Sea - Known for its significant impact on Europe's climate.
• Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park - A stunning natural landmark in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690):

• The Twelve Years' Truce (1609-1621) - A pause in the Eighty Years' War between Spain and the Dutch.
• The Capture of Breda (1625) - A major victory for the Spanish during the Eighty Years' War.
• The Treaty of Nijmegen (1678) - Ended various interconnected wars among France, the Dutch Republic, Spain, Brandenburg, Sweden, Denmark, the Prince-Bishopric of Münster, and the Holy Roman Empire.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps of Europe and European cities to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.