28 Pieter van den Keere (1571–c.1646) – Map and Six Engraved Scenes of Ancient Belgian Customs – Veterum Belgarium Mores – Large Copperplate Engraving (1617–1622)

This engraved folio sheet was published by Pieter van den Keere (Petrus Kaerius) as part of the work Germania Inferior id est XVII Provinciarum ejus novae et exactae Tabulae Geographicae, issued in Amsterdam between 1617 and 1622. The recto features a small map of the Low Countries (Belgi Veteris Typus) and six detailed scenes illustrating the customs of the ancient Belgians (Belgae). These include sacrificial ceremonies, funerary rituals, dining practices, and battle formations. Each scene is accompanied by Latin captions describing the depicted activities in classical style.

The reverse bears Latin scholarly text under the title Veterum Belgarium Mores, referencing sources such as Caesar and Strabo. This sheet reflects the humanist antiquarian interest in ethnography, mythology, and Roman-era histories of Northern Europe, popular in early 17th-century Dutch scholarship and publishing.

Pieter van den Keere (1571–c.1646) was a Dutch engraver, cartographer, and publisher known for his maps and historical prints. Born in Ghent, he worked in London and Amsterdam and was closely associated with the Hondius and Mercator mapmaking circles. His works are notable for their blend of geographic precision and allegorical illustration.

Artist or Maker:

Pieter van den Keere

Dimensions:

52 cm x 41 cm

Medium:

Engraving 

Date:

1617–1622

Condition Report:

This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.