1958 Libra Studio Pictorial Map of the Low Countries

This is a c. 1958 pictorial map of the Low Countries or Benelux countries, produced by Libra Studio and printed in Holland by Kuhn en Zoon.

A Closer Look

Coverage includes the countries of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Cities, towns, and islands are labeled and depicted with illustrations of local culture and architecture. The names of many Belgian cities are rendered in Dutch (e.g., 'Antwerpen,' 'Gent'), a reflection of the makers' location in Holland, even though the title and other information are in French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. In addition to churches, castles, and figures engaging in leisure activities, several military cemeteries are noted, a grim reminder of World War II (1939 - 1945) despite the work's overall festive tone. Illustrations and text surrounding the map offer information on recreational activities and cultural institutions. Illustrations of airplanes are accompanied by information on flight times to major European and American cities.

Publication History and Census

This map is generally attributed to Libra Studio and is noted as having been printed in Holland by Kuhn en Zoon. It is undated, but from certain details, such as the illustrations of airplanes (propeller planes instead of jets) and the flight times given, it most likely dates from the 1950s. It may have been produced to coincide with the 1958 World's Fair (Expo '58) in Brussels. This map occasionally appears on the market but is scarce in institutional collections, only being noted in the OCLC at the Utrecht University Library. The David Rumsey Historical Map Collection holds an alternate printing (dated circa 1975, which we consider too late) issued for Pan American World Airways.