The earliest obtainable map
of Brussels, Belgium.
The plan shows an idealized almost circular view of the city with city walls nearly entirely ringed by a moat on one side and the River Senne on the other. This depiction makes clear the remarkable use of the region’s natural features as ships were able to dock inside the city proper by using a network of canals.
Chartered in 1312, as early as 1357 extensive city walls were built which enclosed fields and tracts of land within it. The city was made seat of the government by the Dukes of Brabant in 1383, by which time the population had already reached 50,000. Descendants of the Dukes constructed a great palace in the city in the 15th century, an era during which the city experienced economic prosperity and the arts and science flowered in the city.
During this time artists and craftsmen, manuscript illuminators, sculptors and goldsmiths all made their way to the city, permanently settling there. One of the era’s greatest artists, Pieter Breughel the Elder, lived and worked here and in 1569 was buried in Notre-Dame-de-la-Chapelle.
Commentary in Latin on verso: "Brussels, the noblest city in all Brabant, was chosen by the kings as their seat because it has springs that always flow, uplifting hills and healthy air and is very splendid to behold. ... The royal palace, which lies on a hill with a chapel, was built by Emperor Charles V and is no small embellishment for the city, because there the lords of the Golden Fleece and the councillors meet for joint deliberations with the Governor. ... A waterway was dug from Brussels in a miraculous manner, at great expense and with a great deal of work, for the benefit of locals and strangers. ... The canal is over five German miles long. It was begun in 1550 and completed in 1561 to the great admiration of all."
This engraving is made after a plan done by Italian historian and statesman Francesco Guicciardini (1567), with some topographical details perhaps derived from a sketch by Jacob van Deventer (c. 1550). An interesting handwritten annotation in the right border, ‘AD 1610’ inked in an old hand, was perhaps written by one of the early owners of the map.

This hand colored map is in B+ condition. Slight loss of color at places at the centerfold.

13 x 18.75 in