In 1827, along with his father and brother, he established himself in Brussels and, that same year, exhibited two paintings ("Angry Sea" and "Calm Sea") at the local Salon. His work enjoyed immediate popularity. In 1830, however, he turned from painting, becoming involved in the political events that led to the independence of Belgium. He and Eugène both joined the "Korps Jagers van Chasteler" (named after Johann Gabriel Chasteler de Courcelles) and participated in several military actions during the Revolution.