Rare Old Map of Mechelen and Duchy of Aarschot by Visscher, 1690: Antwerp, Brussels, Leuven, Mechelen, Sint-Niklaas

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the late 17th century with this detailed map of Mechelen and the Duchy of Aarschot, crafted by the renowned mapmaker Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. This intricate piece, titled 'Mechlinia dominium et Aerschot ducatus', or 'Dominion of Mechelen and Duchy of Aarschot' in English, offers a captivating glimpse into the political and geographical landscape of the time.

The map prominently features five significant cities: Antwerp, Brussels, Leuven, Mechelen, and Sint-Niklaas. Each city holds its own unique historical significance, serving as important cultural, economic, and political centers in the larger area of modern-day Belgium. The precise detailing allows for a deeper understanding of the cities' layouts during the late 17th century, providing a tangible connection to the past.

Beyond the cities, the map also outlines the intricate political divisions of the time. The Dominion of Mechelen and the Duchy of Aarschot, two important regions within the Spanish Netherlands, are beautifully delineated. These regions, rich in history and political intrigue, provide a fascinating insight into the complexities of territorial governance during the period.

Nicolaes Visscher II, grandson of the eminent mapmaker Claes Janszoon Visscher, crafted this map. The Visscher family's influence on cartography during the Dutch Golden Age is clearly evident in the meticulous detailing and artistic composition of this piece. This map is not just a geographical tool, but a work of art that encapsulates the rich history and craftsmanship of the era.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Dominion of Mechelen

• Antwerp: Known as Antwerpen in Dutch, it was one of the most important trade and cultural centers in Europe during the 17th century.
• Mechelen: Also known as Malines in French, it was a significant city for the Roman Catholic Church, housing the Archbishop's Palace.
• Sint-Niklaas: Founded in 1217, it is known for its grand Market Square, one of the largest in Belgium.
• Lier: Known as Lierre in French, it was an important trading center due to its location on the crossroads of major trade routes.
• Herentals: Historically known as Heyrntals, it was a significant center for cloth production.
• Turnhout: Known for its playing card industry, which dates back to the 16th century.
• Geel: Famous for its early adoption of deinstitutionalized mental health care.
• Heist-op-den-Berg: Known for its hill, the Heistberg, which is the highest point in Antwerp province.
• Mol: Known for its nuclear research facilities.
• Westerlo: Known for the Castle of Westerlo, residence of the de Merode family.
• Arendonk: Known for its cattle breeding and textile industry.
• Hoogstraten: Known for its strawberries and historic buildings, including the Hoogstraten Beguinage.
• Duffel: Known for the production of the duffel bag.
• Willebroek: Known for the Willebroek Canal, one of the oldest in Belgium.
• Boom: Known for its brick production, which led to significant economic growth in the 19th century.

Duchy of Aarschot

• Brussels: Known as Bruxelles in French, it was the de facto capital of the Spanish Netherlands.
• Leuven: Home to the oldest Catholic university in the world, the University of Leuven.
• Aarschot: Known for its beautiful Gothic architecture, including the Church of Our Lady.
• Tienen: Known as Tirlemont in French, it was a major center for sugar beet processing.
• Zoutleeuw: Known for its well-preserved medieval buildings.
• Landen: Known as the birthplace of Pippin of Landen, the Mayor of the Palace of Austrasia.
• Diest: Known for its fortified walls and the War of the Succession of Guelders.
• Halen: Known for the Battle of Halen during World War I.
• Geetbets: Known for its agricultural industry.
• Begijnendijk: Known for the Begijnendijk Mill, a protected monument.
• Rotselaar: Known for the Rock Werchter music festival.
• Tremelo: Known for being the birthplace of Father Damien, a Roman Catholic Saint.
• Keerbergen: Known for its beautiful lake, Lake Keerbergen.
• Haacht: Known for its brewing industry.
• Boortmeerbeek: Known for the only successful stop of a Holocaust train in World War II.

Notable Natural Phenomena

• River Scheldt: A major river that flows through Antwerp.
• River Dijle: Flows through Mechelen and Leuven.
• Kalmthout Heath: A large nature reserve located near Antwerp.
• Zoniënwoud: A large beech forest located near Brussels.
• Hallerbos: Known as 'The Blue Forest', famous for its bluebell carpet which blooms in early spring.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690)

• The Fall of Antwerp (1585): This event led to the closing of the River Scheldt and the decline of Antwerp as a major European city.
• The Battle of Seneffe (1674): Part of the Franco-Dutch War, it was fought near Brussels.
• The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1668): Ended the War of Devolution between France and Spain, and led to significant territorial changes in the Spanish Netherlands.

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.