Laevinus Torrentius Explained

Type:Bishop
Laevinus Torrentius
Bishop of Antwerp
Church:Catholic
Diocese:Antwerp
See:Cathedral of Our Lady (Antwerp)
Appointed:1576
Enthroned:1587
Ended:1595
Predecessor:Franciscus Sonnius
Successor:Guillaume de Berghes
Birth Name:Lieven van der Beke
Birth Date:March 8, 1525
Birth Place:Ghent
Education:Philosophy, Law
Alma Mater:University of Leuven, University of Bologna

Laevinus Torrentius, born Lieven van der Beke (1525–1595), was the second bishop of Antwerp and one of the leading humanists of his time. He was a Neo-Latin poet, who achieved fame as the editor of Suetonius and Horace. spending many years in Rome in his youth, he developed a serious interest in ancient numismatics. He possessed a large library of about 1,700 books.[1]

Career

He studied philosophy and law at Leuven University and then at the University of Bologna. For five years he lived in Rome. He was appointed Canon of Liege cathedral, and became there vicar general.

He was appointed bishop of Antwerp in 1576 but could not be installed in his see until 1587. He died in 1595, after being nominated to the see of Mechelen but before being appointed.[2]

After his death, he left his library, worth an estimated 30.000 guilders, to the Jesuits of Louvain. He was buried inside Antwerp cathedral.

Selected works

Notes and References

  1. https://www.academia.edu/21500230/The_numismatic_interests_of_Laevinus_Torrentius_1525_1595_one_of_the_foremost_humanists_of_his_time Francois de Callatay, The numismatic interests of Laevinus Torrentius (1525-1595), one of the foremost humanists of his time
  2. "Torrentius (Laevinius)", in A. J. van der Aa, Biographisch woordenboek der Nederlanden, vol. 18 (Haarlem, 1874), 195-196.