1747 Bowen Map of Belgium

This is a beautiful 1747 map of Belgium by the British cartographer Emanuel Bowen. The map depicts Belgium and Luxembourg along with parts of Germany, France and Holland. The map notes several towns, cities, rivers, lakes, roads and a host of additional topographical features. Mountains are beautifully rendered in profile.

During this time, following the War of Spanish Succession, much of Spanish Netherlands (which included modern day Belgium and Luxembourg) was ceded to Austria and the region began to be known as Austrian Netherlands. In 1794, Austrian Netherlands became part of France and later, in 1815, became part of the United Kingdom of Netherlands. Eventually, the 1830 Belgian Revolution would create the modern Belgian state.

The map includes a note near the bottom margin referencing the third Barrier Treaty of 1715 signed in Antwerp. A beautifully illustrated title cartouche featuring a cannoneer is included the lower left quadrant. This map was prepared by Emanuel Bowen as plate no. 13 for the 1747 issue of A Complete System of Geography.

Cartographer

Emanuel Bowen (1694 - May 8, 1767) was a Welsh cartographer, map engraver, and publisher active in London during the first half and middle of the 18th century. Born at Talley, Carmarthenshire, he was apprenticed in 1709 to the London engraver and globe-maker Charles Price, beginning a career that combined the compilation of geographical information with copperplate engraving for booksellers and map publishers. His early work included maps for an Atlas of the World issued in 1717, followed by Britannia Depicta; or, Ogilby Improv'd (1720), prepared with John Owen, which brought together reduced road-strip maps, county maps, and historical and heraldic information in a portable volume. In 1729, Bowen published a subscription-funded map of South Wales, substantially improving the region's cartographic representation; the map's geographical information subsequently informed his Welsh county maps. After working at several London addresses, he established workshops in Aldersgate, Smithfield, and Clerkenwell, producing maps extensively for other publishers rather than relying on a prominent retail shop. His international cartography included maps for A Complete System of Geography (1744 - 1747), the 1744-48 edition of Navigantium atque itinerantium bibliotheca, and A Complete Atlas (1752). He became geographer to George II around 1747. Among his apprentices were Thomas Kitchin (1719 - 1784), who married Bowen's daughter Sarah in 1739, and Thomas Jefferys (1719 - 1771), apprenticed in 1735. With Kitchin, Bowen produced the county maps issued between 1749 and 1760 that formed The Large English Atlas; their collaboration continued in The Royal English Atlas around 1763. His maps characteristically combined detailed geographical engraving and ornamental cartouches with extensive historical, economic, and topographical annotations. Despite his substantial output and royal appointment, Bowen died in reduced circumstances in 1767. His son and fellow engraver, Thomas Bowen (d. 1790), continued his cartographic work, including Atlas Anglicanus (1767 - 1768), which was completed and issued after Emanuel's death.   Further Details...

Source

Bowen, E., A Complete System of Geography. Being a description of all the countries, islands, cities, chief towns, harbours, lakes, and rivers, mountains, mines, etc., of the known world …, (London) 1747.     

Condition

Very good. Original platemark visible. Minor wear along original centerfold.

References

Rumsey 3733.012. Philips (atlases) 614 (1752 edition).