Sterfbed van de hertog van Alva 1880

Karel Ooms created this etching, titled "Sterfbed van de hertog van Alva" or "Deathbed of the Duke of Alba," at an unknown date. The Duke of Alba, a 16th-century Spanish general, is remembered for his severe repression of the Dutch Revolt. Ooms, living in 19th-century Belgium, a nation that once suffered under Alba’s rule, presents us with a complex narrative. Here, Alba is not depicted as a tyrant, but as a frail, aging man on his deathbed. Stripped of his power, Alba appears vulnerable, almost eliciting a sense of pity. The etching technique, with its delicate lines, enhances the emotional depth of the scene, inviting viewers to contemplate the finality of life. Ooms prompts us to reflect on how history and identity are constructed, challenging traditional representations. By humanizing Alba in his final moments, Ooms encourages us to consider the personal dimensions intertwined with historical narratives. This deeply personal portrayal evokes a sense of empathy, urging reflection on the weight of power and the inevitable mortality that unites us all.