BRUSSELS — Belgian authorities are investigating the audacious theft of a distinctive infant Jesus figure from a public Nativity display on Brussels’ historic Grand Place, marking the latest development in an ongoing cultural debate that has divided public opinion. The faceless cloth icon, created by artist Victoria-Maria Geyer as an inclusive interpretation of the Christ child, disappeared between Friday night and Saturday morning from its manger beneath the city’s massive Christmas tree.
The stolen artwork had previously ignited substantial social media discourse due to its unconventional design—featureless faces crafted from soft fabrics that intentionally lacked eyes, noses, and mouths. Geyer, a self-described devout Catholic, conceived the figures to enable believers worldwide to project their own identities onto the biblical characters, fostering universal connection to the Christmas narrative regardless of cultural background.
Despite the artist’s thoughtful intentions, the installation drew sharp criticism from some public figures. Georges-Louis Bouchez, leader of Belgium’s center-right MR party, publicly denounced the figures on social media platform X, comparing them to ‘zombie-like’ individuals and asserting they failed to capture the Christmas spirit.
Brussels Major Events deputy director Delphine Romanus confirmed that initial reports of the figurine being beheaded were inaccurate, though she acknowledged previous incidents involving damage or theft of Nativity figures. The organization, which manages the annual Christmas market attracting over 4 million visitors, has already installed a replacement Jesus figure and increased security monitoring around the display.
Interestingly, public sentiment has shifted since the theft, with initial negative social media reactions transforming into more supportive responses toward the artist’s vision. Local resident Francis De Laveleye expressed dismay at the vandalism, criticizing how artistic expression had been undermined by what he termed ‘a stupid little controversy that ridicules Brussels.’
The Christmas market itself continues operation with 238 vendors offering seasonal goods, with the Nativity scene remaining a central attraction despite the controversy.