Graftombe van Anthonis van Lalaing in de Sint-Katharinekerk in Hoogstraten, België before 1887

Here's a photograph of the tomb of Anthonis van Lalaing, located in the Sint-Katharinekerk in Hoogstraten, Belgium. Produced in the 16th century, this marble sculpture is a potent symbol of power and status in the context of the time. Lalaing was the first Count of Hoogstraten, and this tomb serves as a monument to his position within the aristocratic social hierarchy of the region. The Catholic church was often entwined with the aristocracy, with the church providing spiritual legitimacy for the elite, in return for patronage and material support. This monument speaks to the fusion of religious devotion and aristocratic self-promotion that characterized the period. Art historians can consult archival documents and genealogical records to learn more about the Lalaing family and their role in shaping the religious and political landscape of Hoogstraten. Studying the history of the Catholic church in the region is also crucial in understanding the context in which this monument was commissioned and displayed.