Leo Belgicus
In the 16th and 17th centuries, maps of the Low Countries frequently were drawn in the form of a lion, known by its Latin designation, Leo Belgicus. The "Belgian" lion usually included all of the 17 provinces variously referred to as the Netherlands or the Low Countries, even though the seven provinces of the north broke away in 1581 to form the Dutch Republic
North is on the right side, placing the city of Brussels on the lion's left shoulder and that of Amsterdam near the crest of his back, above his left foot
1991.13.12
#Maps
In the 16th and 17th centuries, maps of the Low Countries frequently were drawn in the form of a lion, known by its Latin designation, Leo Belgicus. The "Belgian" lion usually included all of the 17 provinces variously referred to as the Netherlands or the Low Countries, even though the seven provinces of the north broke away in 1581 to form the Dutch Republic
North is on the right side, placing the city of Brussels on the lion's left shoulder and that of Amsterdam near the crest of his back, above his left foot
1991.13.12
#Maps