Is that figure before us a mere sculpture, or a symbol of defiance? We’re standing before the statue of François Anneessens. It’s a monument to a man who dared to challenge the powers that be.
François Anneessens was no king or general. He was a guild dean in Brussels. He lived from 1660 to 1719. Anneessens stood for the rights of the common worker.
In those days guilds held considerable sway. Anneessens was dean of the Nation of St. Christopher. This was a significant guild in Brussels. He also represented his guild before the Council of Brabant. He pleaded for the preservation of the craft guilds’ privileges.
The early 18th century brought changes. The Spanish Netherlands became the Austrian Netherlands. Emperor Charles VI appointed the Marquis de Prié. The Marquis began to interfere in local politics. He introduced reforms that diminished the guilds’ power. New taxes were imposed.
Anneessens opposed these changes. He advocated for non-violent resistance. However, discontent grew into a full-blown revolt in 1717. The people of Brussels rose up against the new measures. Chaos erupted.
The authorities arrested five guild deans including Anneessens. They were accused of inciting the uprising. After six months of imprisonment, Anneessens was sentenced to death.
On September 19, 1719, Anneessens was beheaded on the Grand Place. His execution was meant to quell unrest. Instead, it turned him into a martyr. People collected his blood, mixing it with sand. These relics were sold. He was buried in the Chapel Church.
The statue before us was created much later. The city of Brussels commissioned artist Thomas Vincotte. It was not until the second half of the nineteenth century. Vincotte chose a street vendor named Bernardin Braeckman. Braeckman sold boiled eggs, nuts and crabs. He served as the model for Anneessens. Braeckman took the role so seriously. He thought he was Frans Anneessens for the rest of his days.
In 1889 the statue was inaugurated in Joseph Lebeauplein. The square was then renamed Place Anneessens. The statue’s inscription reads: “The grateful people venerate him as a martyr.”
So, as you stand here remember François Anneessens. He was a chair maker who dared to challenge an empire. He paid the ultimate price for his beliefs. His legacy lives on in this statue and in the hearts of those who value freedom.