The house of Alba enriched itself on the neck of one of my ancestors (fun fact).
This painting portrays the last moments of Antoon van Straelen/Stralen, Lord of Merksem, Lord of Dambrughe, and Mayor of Antwerp during the 16th century.
He was sentenced to death and all of the family’s assets were confiscated by the notorious
‘Council of Troubles’ under the command of Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, the 3rd Duke of Alba.
His execution took place on the 24th of September 1568.
