Nobilis Hannoniae Comitatus

Striking map of the ancient County of Hainault, which is now on the border between Belgium and France.

This map and the map of Artois have the same source, a local map maker, Jacques Surhon of Mons who is believed to have drawn this manuscript in 1548, with its first printed iteration in Ortelius's atlas of 1579.

The historically important region of Hainault was initially part of the Holy Roman Empire ruled by the Electors in modern Germany, then became part of the House of Valois-Burgundy, then part of the Spanish or Hapsburg Netherlands before being absorbed by France; in 1830, part of it was integrated with the newly established nation of Belgium. The major towns within the County are Mons, now in Belgium and Valenciennes, now in France.

This map, revised and edited by Ortelius, shows the whole county before its division and is perceived as the most striking antique piece of the region.

Original colour. Latin text on verso (image available on request). SL

[BELUX867]