Life and Work
Gerardus Mercator (1512–1594) was a pioneering geographer and cartographer, best known for his world and celestial atlases. He spent many years in Leuven, first as a mathematics student and later working as a land surveyor. His studies and work here shaped the foundations of modern mapmaking.
The Statue in Leuven
In 2001, a statue of Mercator was unveiled in Leuven by Mayor Louis Tobback. Created by Leuven artist Raoul Biront, the statue was a gift from the Traders Association to celebrate its 55th anniversary. It stands as a tribute to Mercator’s legacy and his close ties to the city.
A Man of Science and Curiosity
Mercator was not only a cartographer but also a critical thinker. He famously reflected:
“When I saw that Moses’ version of the Genesis of the world did not fit sufficiently in many ways with Aristotle and the rest of the philosophers, I began to have doubts about the truth of all philosophers and started to investigate the secrets of nature.”
This quote highlights his lifelong pursuit of knowledge, truth, and discovery.
(Source: Leuven architecture.pdf) , Photo by Aslı Tecan
