Leo Belgicus Antique Map of Belgium 1609, Visscher Belgian Lion Art Print

Claes Janszoon Visscher’s 1609 “Leo Belgicus” turns the Low Countries into a seated lion, transforming geography into a bold emblem of war, truce, identity, and political imagination.

Created during the Twelve Years’ Truce between Spain and the Dutch Republic, this famous lion-shaped map represents the Seventeen Provinces of the Low Countries, a region associated with present-day Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. In this peaceful version of the Leo Belgicus, the lion sits rather than charges, with its sword held downward in a gesture tied to the truce.

The map is part cartography, part heraldic animal, and part political theater. The seated lion form gives the piece immediate visual impact, while the detailed place names and borders reward close viewing. It is especially suited to studies, libraries, offices, map rooms, European-inspired interiors, gallery walls, and rooms shaped by history, identity, and old-world character.

Available in:
12" x 16"
16" x 20"
18" x 24"

This print has been digitally restored from historical source material to preserve the character of the original while improving clarity, balance, and detail for modern display.

Why you’ll love it:
❖ A faithfully restored reproduction that minimizes foxing, blemishes, and damage while preserving the original old world character
❖ A striking 17th-century blend of antique cartography, heraldic symbolism, European history, and engraved visual detail
❖ Ideal for Belgian history lovers, Dutch history enthusiasts, antique map collectors, history teachers, and old-world decorators
❖ Works beautifully in a study, library, office, map room, gallery wall, or European-inspired space

Print quality:
❖ Printed on archival Epson Enhanced matte paper
❖ Heavyweight, acid-free stock
❖ Printed with Epson UltraChrome HDR pigment inks
❖ Produced at appropriate resolution to preserve clarity and detail
❖ Includes a white border for easier framing, with or without a mat

Please note:
◆ Frame is not included unless added separately (see below)
◆ Print colors may vary slightly depending on your screen
◆ Mockups are for illustrative purposes only

Collector Notes & Helpful Links
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For collectors of antique map prints, Leo Belgicus maps, Belgian lion imagery, Low Countries history, Dutch Revolt cartography, European wall art, and restored 17th-century engraved maps, Visscher’s “Leo Belgicus” is a standout piece.

❖ Save 10% on your first order
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❖ Need help framing your artwork?
Our prints are formatted to fit standard frame sizes and include a white border for easier framing: http://bit.ly/addframe

❖ Explore more antique map prints
Pair this piece with “Leo Hollandicus” or with other restored European maps, celestial charts, and historic cartography from the shop: https://bit.ly/leo-hollandicus