Joseph Lebeau Statue

Amidst the urban tapestry of Brussels, the Joseph Lebeau Statue stands proudly. The statue, a gift from the Joseph Lebeau Committee, was created by René Cliquet and erected on June 17, 1972. Joseph Lebeau, a pivotal figure in Belgian history, served as the de facto head of the executive branch of the newly formed Kingdom of Belgium from March 28, 1831, to July 24, 1831. This was a critical period during the Belgian Revolution. The Joseph Lebeau Statue commemorates his significant contributions to the nation’s birth and early governance. Lebeau was born in Huy, Belgium, in 1794 and died there in 1865. He began his political career as a liberal activist in Liège, co-founding the liberal newspaper *Le Politique*. During the 1830 revolution, Lebeau served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and played a vital role in securing Leopold of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as the first King of the Belgians. He skillfully negotiated the Treaty of the XVIII Articles, which established Belgian independence. Later, Lebeau also served as governor of Namur and led the first homogenous liberal government. The statue’s description notes it was a gift from the Joseph Lebeau Committee, further cementing its significance as a tribute to this influential statesman. The statue stands as a reminder of Lebeau’s legacy and his crucial role in shaping modern Belgium.