A provocative artistic depiction of the infant Jesus has been stolen from a public Nativity display in the heart of Brussels, sparking conversation about art, religion, and vandalism. The theft occurred from an installation featuring cloth-faced figures created by Belgian artist Victoria-Maria Geyer.
The Stolen Artwork and Its Creator
The missing piece was part of a full Nativity scene erected inside a distinctive white tent in Brussels. The installation, which was publicly displayed on Monday, December 1, 2025, featured characters with fabric faces, a signature style of artist Victoria-Maria Geyer. Her interpretation of the traditional Christmas scene had already generated debate and controversy within the local community and beyond prior to the theft.
Authorities were alerted to the missing infant Jesus figure, but details on the exact time of the theft or potential suspects remain undisclosed. The Associated Press documented the scene with a photograph by Sylvain Plazy on the day of the incident, capturing the display before the central figure was taken.
Context and Reaction to the Controversial Display
Modern reinterpretations of classic religious scenes often walk a fine line between artistic expression and public sentiment. Geyer's work, with its abstract, cloth-faced holy family, clearly fell into this category, challenging conventional portrayals of the Nativity. The theft raises questions about whether it was an act of simple vandalism, a targeted protest against the artwork's unconventional nature, or a crime of opportunity.
Instances of art theft, particularly involving religious themes, frequently attract significant attention and can reflect deeper cultural tensions. The removal of the infant Jesus—the focal point of the Christmas story—from its manger adds a symbolic layer to the criminal act.
Broader Implications for Public Art
This incident in Brussels serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by public art installations. It also underscores the potent reactions that art can provoke when it engages with deeply held traditions and beliefs. While local police investigate the theft, the conversation has expanded to encompass themes of artistic freedom, respect for religious iconography, and the security of public exhibitions.
The white tent that housed the Nativity scene now stands with a notable void at its center. Whether the stolen infant Jesus figure will be recovered is unknown, but the event has certainly amplified the discourse surrounding Victoria-Maria Geyer's controversial work and the place of modern art in celebrating ancient traditions.
