The Stier Family

Henri Joseph and Marie Louise (neé Peeters) Stier were both from illustrious families. The first to hold a title in the Stier family was Charles de la Bistrate, the 2nd great-grandfather of Henri. It was given to him in February of 1682 by King Charles II of Spain. The Stiers were also direct descendants of the Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. Marie Louise Peeters was descendant from the powerful van den Cruyce family. As part of her dowry she brought with her a huge painting collection and Cleydael Castle. Together they had four children: Isabelle, Charles, Julie, and Rosalie.