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Description

Unusual copperplate engraving showing the capture of Steenwijk by Count Maurice of Orange in 1592. The topographical perspective shows canons, cavalry, and soldiers marching into Steenwijk.

The map is beautifully engraved, showing extensive detail throughout. A few annotations show the location of Count Moritz during the battle, the invasion of the town by the people of the Estates General, and the escape from the town by the king's people. In the town, gallows are set up, and the town is in the midst of being pillaged.

The 1592 Siege of Steenwijk was a campaign during the 80 Years' War in which a Dutch and English force took one of the important transport hubs of the Spanish Netherlands. The town was surrendered by the Spanish on July 5th and led to the Spanish being cut off through the Zuiderzee. This was one of the "Ten Glory Years" of the 80 Years' War in which Maurice of Orange won large parts of the Netherlands.

We ascribe the map to Georg Keller based on similarities of the engraving with other examples of his work and a similarity in wording of the title. Other sources ascribe the map to Hogenberg, but his 1590 death and the 1592 date on the map makes this unlikely.

Condition Description
Nice, dark impression. Lower left margin reinstated, away from neatline. Some toning.