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Wikimedia Commons · Public domain · Hover to magnify, click for fullscreen
Original fileBelgii Inferioris descriptio emendata cum circumiacentium regionum confinijs
The map presents an overhead view of the Netherlands and Belgium, featuring intricate line work for coastlines, rivers, and inland terrain, with towns marked by small clusters of building icons. The North Sea is depicted on the left with several galleons in sail, while the right side of the frame contains a decorative cartouche holding the title and a heraldic emblem above a compass rose and surveyor's tools. The palette consists of muted earthy tones for the landmass, blue washes for the water, and reddish-orange pigments used to highlight the decorative frames and coats of arms.
This map belongs to the late Renaissance tradition of cartography and imperial geography, reflecting the political and commercial interests of the Habsburg Netherlands during the period of the Dutch Revolt.
Belgii Inferioris descriptio emendata cum circumiacentium regionum confinijs. [In cartouche:] Belgii Inferioris descriptio emendata cum circumiacentium regionum confinijs. Christophoro Plantino Excudebat.
Translation
An amended description of the Lower Countries with the borders of the surrounding regions. Christoffel Plantijn printed this.
Abraham Ortelius
This map style is highly consistent with the cartographic output of the Antwerp school exemplified by Ortelius's 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum'.
Object
IIIF Source
map
Digital Source
Allard Pierson, University of Amsterdam · Public domain
Linked Data
AI AI-cataloged fields generated by gemini-3.1-flash-lite-preview on April 19, 2026. Getty identifiers are AI-inferred and may require verification.