N. Visscheri Germania Inferior, sive XVII Provinciarum geographicae generales ut et particulares tabulae ...

A detailed copperplate engraved map of the Lordship of Mechelen and the Duchy of Aarschot in the Southern Netherlands, created by Nicolaus Visscher. The map depicts a dense network of towns, villages, fortifications, rivers (notably the Scheldt, Rupel, and Dijle), and forests.

In the upper right corner is an ornate title cartouche. It is flanked by two allegorical female figures: one on the left is partially nude, draped in a pelt; the one on the right is dressed in classical attire and holds a staff. Above the title text is a crowned coat of arms supported by putti.

In the lower right quadrant, a smaller cartouche contains three scale bars. This cartouche features a reclining putto holding a pair of dividers over a globe.

A compass rose is positioned to the left of the scale cartouche. The map is enclosed within a border marked with degrees of latitude and longitude.

Scale cartouche in the lower right

Graphic scale bar

Graphic scale bar

Graphic scale bar

Selected major toponyms and regional labels found on the map surface:

• ANTWERP
• BRUSSELS
• LOUVAIN
• MECHELEN
• LIER
• AARSCHOT
• HERENTALS
• HOOGSTRATEN
• MARQUISATE OF THE HOLY EMPIRE
• THE SCHELDT
• THE RUPEL
• THE LAND OF WAAS
• THE LAND OF RIEST
• LORDSHIP OF MECHELEN