France. Map of Douai in France from Blaeu's townbook of the southern Netherlands, first published in 1649. Blaeu composed his townbooks towards the end of the conflict with Spain and consequently the atlas became linked with the Dutch struggle for independence, proudly showing cities and stategic places. Douay was situated in the southern, Spanish, Netherlands and it was since long clear that it would not be reconquerred by the rebelious north, especially because such a reunion would not be supported by the majority of the southern population. However, in denial of this fact it was common practice to refer to the south as part of the nation and to refer to it as a symbol of national pride, as Blaeu did here. The situation was even more complicated as a result of Spanish-French conflict that took place around the same time. Driven by a desire to posses the Rine as a natural border to the French state France attacked the Spanish Netherlands and conquered several towns. As a result Douay is today still French. 405 x 495 mm. (16 by 19.5 inches)

Hand-coloured, double-page, engraved map, Dutch text on verso.

Koeman, Atlantes Neerlandici B1 64.