Johan Rudolf Thorbecke (1798 - 1872), by J.H. Neuman, 1852. The liberal statesman Thorbecke drew up the constitution of 1848 in which more power was taken away from the monarch and given to parliament. Before entering politics Thorbecke had enjoyed an academic career. After graduating he had spent a number of years in Germany. In 1825 he was appointed professor of philosophy and literature at Ghent. In 1830, following the start of the Belgian revolution, Thorbecke returned to Holland. In 1831 he was appointed professor at the faculty of law in Leiden. His political career began in 1840. He became leader of the liberal faction in the Second Chamber. After 1848 he led three cabinets: 1849 - 1853, 1862 - 1868 and 1871 - 1872. Thorbecke is wearing the commander's cross of the Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw.