Eytzinger, Michaël von | The history of the Netherlands, with the "Leo Belgicus" map

Eytzinger, Michaël von

Novus ad Hispaniae et Hungariae reges ter maximos de Leone Belgico, eiusque topographica atque historica descriptione liber. Quinque partibus ... distinctus ... ab anno Christi M.D. LIX. usque ad annum M.D. LXXXVII. perpetuà narratione continuatus. [Colophon:] Cologne: Gerard van Campen, [1588]

4to (270 x 198 mm). Engraved architectural title-page with engraved portrait of the author on verso, followed by 9 preliminary leaves, large folding map of the Low Countries "Leo Belgicus," 208 unnumbered double-page engraved plates on guards, and 2 engraved calendars on verso of penultimate leaf; title trimmed and remargined with early annotation at top, some spotting to map, marginal restoration to a few leaves, a few small marginal tears, some marginal dampstaining, a few stray spots, tear to 395-396 costing text but not affecting plate, repair to upper margin of calendar plate. Full near contemporary red calf, armorial binding with gilt central device of a crown atop a shield surrounded by laurel, compartments formed by gilt rules and miters, gilt cornerpieces with acorns and flowers, spine with raised bands in six compartments, marbled pastedowns; extremities rubbed, corners bumped, some restoration to joints.

The history of the Netherlands, illustrating the battles and atrocities committed by the Spanish, with the "Leo Belgicus" map. According to Graesse, the 1588 edition is the last and rarest of this work. The present copy bears the imprint of van Campen on the colophon, but not the date 1588, which Graesse calls for. The bifolia are unnumbered.

Michaël von Eytzinger was an Austrian nobleman, diplomat, and historian. His Novus de Leone Belgico, initially published in 1583, included the first cartographic representation of the Low Countries as "Leo Belgicus." The work was issued during the Eighty Years' War, as the Netherlands fought for independence from Spain.

A handsome copy of a rare work.

REFERENCES:

Brunet I: 122-123; Graesse I: 49

PROVENANCE:

"Collegium Societatis Jesu Bruxellis 1643 M.B." (manuscript annotation to title)