Equestrian statue of Leopold Ⅱ, Bronze equestrian statue in Royal Quarter, Belgium.
The equestrian statue of Leopold II stands at Place du Trone in Brussels, depicting the king mounted on a horse resting on a bluestone base. The bronze work serves as a notable landmark in the city's royal neighborhood.
Designed by Thomas Vincotte and completed by Francois Malfait in 1926, the statue honors Belgium's second king who reigned from 1865 to 1909. It documents a period when the monarchy exercised significant influence over Central African territories.
The monument raises discussions about Belgium's colonial period, as Leopold II established personal control over the Congo Free State from 1885 to 1908.
The location is easy to reach from the Royal Palace of Brussels near the intersection of Rue Ducale and Boulevard du Regent. Its open-air setting allows visits at any time without special arrangements.
The bronze and bluestone materials came from Union Minière, directly connecting the work to Belgium's resource extraction in the region. This material choice reflects the economic ties between the artwork and historical activity.
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