Listen to the article
Belgian authorities are investigating the theft of a controversial infant Jesus figure from a Christmas Nativity scene in Brussels’ historic Grand Place. The figure, which had become the subject of intense online criticism, disappeared from its crib sometime between late Friday night and early Saturday morning.
The stolen figure was part of a unique Nativity display created by artist Victoria-Maria Geyer that has sparked heated debate across social media platforms. The unconventional figures in the display feature cloth bodies with faces deliberately lacking eyes, noses, and mouths—a creative choice that has divided public opinion.
Geyer, a self-described devout Catholic, designed the featureless figures with specific artistic intent. She explained that the blank faces were meant to allow Catholics from diverse backgrounds and origins to identify with the biblical nativity story, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity.
The artistic choice, however, was met with sharp criticism from some prominent figures. Georges-Louis Bouchez, head of Belgium’s center-right MR party, which is part of the country’s ruling coalition, publicly condemned the design on social media. He stated that Geyer’s cloth figures “in no way represent the spirit of Christmas” and made an unflattering comparison to what he called “zombie-like” people found at train stations.
Despite initial reports claiming the infant Jesus figure had been beheaded, authorities confirmed this was false. However, Delphine Romanus, deputy director of Brussels Major Events, which oversees the manger and Christmas market, noted that previous Jesus figurines have been broken or stolen in past years.
The nativity display sits at the heart of Brussels’ popular Christmas market, which attracts more than 4 million visitors annually. The market features 238 vendors selling toys, clothes, ornaments, and seasonal treats like mulled wine and hot chocolate. The central square is dominated by an enormous Christmas tree with the simple white tent housing the manger scene positioned prominently beneath it.
Geyer’s work was not displayed without official backing. Both the local Catholic church and the City of Brussels selected her design as part of their annual tradition, according to Romanus. This institutional support highlights the complex interplay between artistic expression, religious representation, and public acceptance.
In response to the theft, organizers have already replaced the baby Jesus figure in the crib. While security personnel plan to monitor the manger more closely, no additional security measures have been implemented.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about artistic freedom and religious representation in public spaces. Brussels resident Francis De Laveleye expressed dismay at the theft, telling reporters that artistic disagreements should never result in vandalism. “What is intolerable is that people attack the work of an artist to damage it and to turn it into a kind of stupid little controversy that ridicules Brussels,” De Laveleye said while looking at the replacement figure.
Interestingly, Geyer reported that while initial social media reactions to her work were overwhelmingly negative, public sentiment has shifted in a more positive direction following the theft. This evolution suggests that the controversy may have prompted deeper reflection on the meaning and purpose of religious art in contemporary society.
The theft remains under investigation as Brussels authorities work to identify those responsible for removing the figure from one of the city’s most visible and visited holiday displays. The incident has added an unexpected chapter to Brussels’ Christmas celebrations, turning a simple nativity scene into the center of a national conversation about art, faith, and public discourse.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
5 Comments
Quite a controversial Nativity scene! I’m curious to learn more about the artist’s intent behind the featureless figures. While artistic expression can be subjective, I hope the stolen infant Jesus is returned safely.
The artist’s explanation for the blank faces sounds thoughtful, though the reaction from the political figure is understandable. These types of artistic choices often spark lively debates.
Stealing religious symbols is never acceptable, regardless of one’s views on the art. I hope the authorities can quickly locate the missing figure and return it to the Nativity display.
The artist’s intent to allow diverse Catholics to identify with the scene is an interesting concept, though the lack of facial features may be too abstract for some. Still, the theft is troubling.
As a devout Catholic, the artist’s goal of creating a more inclusive Nativity display is admirable. However, the theft of the infant Jesus figure is very concerning. I hope the culprit is found and held accountable.