Kaart van de Zeventien Provinciën in de vorm van de Nederlandse leeuw 1656

This 1656 engraving by Hessel Gerritsz depicts a map of the Seventeen Provinces of the Netherlands in the form of a lion. The map, titled *Kaart van de Zeventien Provinciën in de vorm van de Nederlandse leeuw*, is a unique and intricate representation of the Dutch Republic, with the lion's body formed by the geographical features of the provinces. Gerritsz's work is a testament to the Dutch cartographic tradition, blending artistry with scientific precision to create a visually captivating and informative piece. This map is now housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, showcasing its historical and artistic significance.