1966.131.64.b
Anton Strale, (died 1568), Duke of Merxem and Dambrugge
Artist
Jacques Jonghelinck
(Antwerp, 10/21/1530 - 5/31/1606)
Title
Anton Strale, (died 1568), Duke of Merxem and Dambrugge
Creation Date
1565
Century
mid-16th century
Dimensions
2 3/16 in. (5.5 cm.)
Classification
Medals/Plaquettes
Creation Place
Europe, Flanders
Medium and Support
bronze
Credit Line
Gift of Amanda Marchesa Molinari
Copyright
Public Domain
Accession Number
1966.131.64.b
This medal is an example of the prolific output of the Flemish court medalist Jacob (Jacques) Jonghelinck, one of the most celebrated sixteenth-century medalists from the Low Countries, who trained under famed Italian medalist Leone Leoni. Jonghelinck produced medals for the regents of the Netherlands and many of their officers, including Anton Strale, Duke of Merxem and Dambrugge and Mayor of Antwerp, depicted here. Unfortunately, Anton Strale’s friendship with William the Silent, leader of the Dutch revolt against the Spanish rule, caused the Spanish government to suspect treason and brutally execute Strale in 1568. His reign lasted only one year.
Object Description
321 ANTON STRALE, Duke of Merxem and Dambrugge
Obv. Bust to right. Around, . ANTONII . A . STRALE . DVS : DE . MERXEM . ET . DAMBRVGGE .
Rev. Nude female figure (Fortune or Venus) atop a globe in a conch shell on ocean, holding a sail. Around, . VIRTVTE . ET . CONSTANCIA
Bronze, 55 mm. Aftercast, heavily tooled
Strale was governor of Antwerp, 1567, and was executed 1568. Armand reads on the obverse AET . XLIIII . 1565, after van Loon.
Bibl.: Arm. 2, p. 241, 29; Van Loon i, p. 95; Hill-Med. Ren., p. 130, pl. 23, 5; Forrer 3, p. 84.