Dive into the rich history of Royal Belgium with this meticulously detailed map by Nicolaes Visscher II, a renowned cartographer from the Dutch Golden Age. Created in 1690, the map's full name is 'Belgii Regii tabula, in qua omnes provinciae ad Hispanis ad annum 1684 possessae, nec non tam a Rege Galliae quam Batavis acquisitae', which translates to 'Map of the Kingdom of Belgium, in which all provinces possessed by the Spanish up to the year 1684, as well as those acquired by the King of France and the Dutch are shown'. This comprehensive title captures the intricate political divisions and regions depicted on the map.

This map is a window into the late 17th century Europe, a time of significant political and territorial changes. The five most notable locations featured are Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, Lille, and the Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park. Each city and landmark carries its own historical significance, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Brussels, the capital city, is beautifully represented, reflecting its status as a major hub for international politics. Ghent, one of the largest and richest cities of northern Europe during the Middle Ages, is depicted in all its glory. Antwerp, known for its long-standing role in diamond trade, and Lille, a city at the heart of several cultural influences, are also featured prominently. Lastly, the Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park, a stunning natural landmark, is included, showcasing the map's attention to both urban and natural landscapes.

This map is not just a piece of art, but a conversation starter, a historical document that allows you to trace the evolution of these regions over time. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cartography lover, or simply someone who appreciates fine art, this map of Royal Belgium by Nicolaes Visscher II offers a unique perspective on the world as it was known in 1690.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

Spanish Possessions:

1. Brussels - Known as Bruxelles in French, it was the de facto capital of the Spanish Netherlands. Notable for its rich history and as a hub for international politics.
2. Antwerp - Known as Antwerpen in Dutch, it was one of the most important European ports and world centers of the diamond trade.
3. Ghent - Known as Gent in Dutch, it was one of the richest and largest cities in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages.
4. Bruges - Known as Brugge in Dutch, it was often referred to as "The Venice of the North" due to its extensive canal system.
5. Leuven - Notable for being the seat of the oldest Catholic university in existence, the University of Leuven.
6. Namur - Known as Namen in Dutch, it was a strategically important location at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers.
7. Mons - Known as Bergen in Dutch, it was a major textile center in the Middle Ages.
8. Mechelen - Known as Mechlin in English, it was a notable center of the arts during the Renaissance.
9. Ostend - Known as Oostende in Dutch, it was a significant port and fishing town.
10. Kortrijk - Known as Courtrai in French, it was an important center of the flax industry.
11. Tournai - Known as Doornik in Dutch, it was one of the oldest towns in Belgium.
12. Liège - Known as Luik in Dutch, it was a significant cultural, economic, and ecclesiastical center.
13. Aalst - Known as Alost in French, it was a notable center for the production of cloth.
14. Hasselt - It was an important center for the jenever (gin) industry.
15. Ypres - Known as Ieper in Dutch, it was a major center for the cloth industry.

French Acquisitions:

1. Lille - Known as Rijsel in Dutch, it was a city at the heart of several cultural influences.
2. Dunkirk - Known as Duinkerke in Dutch, it was a major port and has a rich maritime history.
3. Calais - It was the closest French town to England and was a major trading center.
4. Boulogne-sur-Mer - It was a significant port town and fishing center.
5. Arras - Known for its beautiful Flemish baroque architecture.
6. Amiens - Known for its Gothic cathedral, the largest in France.
7. Rouen - It was one of the largest and most prosperous cities of medieval Europe.
8. Le Havre - Known for its port, the second largest in France.
9. Dieppe - It was a significant port for trade with England.
10. Caen - Known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror.

Dutch Acquisitions:

1. Maastricht - Known for its medieval-era architecture and vibrant cultural scene.
2. Breda - Known for its historic city center.
3. Eindhoven - It was a major town for the linen industry.
4. 's-Hertogenbosch - Known as Den Bosch, it was a major trade city.
5. Nijmegen - Known for its historic city center and the surrounding nature.

Notable Natural Phenomena:

• The Meuse River - A major European river, notable for its picturesque landscapes.
• The Scheldt River - An important waterway, with Antwerp as its major port.
• The Ardennes - A region of extensive forests, hills, and ridges.
• The North Sea - Known for its significant impact on Europe's climate.
• Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park - A stunning natural landmark in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690):

• The Twelve Years' Truce (1609-1621) - A pause in the Eighty Years' War between Spain and the Dutch.
• The Capture of Breda (1625) - A major victory for the Spanish during the Eighty Years' War.
• The Treaty of Nijmegen (1678) - Ended various interconnected wars among France, the Dutch Republic, Spain, Brandenburg, Sweden, Denmark, the Prince-Bishopric of Münster, and the Holy Roman Empire.

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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 5-year guarantee.

Read our 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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.