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]
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.