About
Hendrik Conscience (1812-1883) was a Belgian writer in Dutch, regarded as the father of Flemish literature. Born in Antwerp to a French father and a Flemish mother, he joined the Belgian army after the revolution of 1830. His first book, 'In 't Wonderjaar 1566' (1837), was praised by King Leopold I. His historical novel 'De leeuw van Vlaanderen' (1838) made him famous. After 1840, he turned to idyllic realism depicting Flemish life. He published over a hundred novels and novellas, and served as district commissioner in Kortrijk and curator of the Wiertz Museum in Brussels.
* 1812-12-03 — † 1883-09-10
Major works
- In 't Wonderjaar 1566 (1837)historical novel
- De leeuw van Vlaanderen (1838)historical novel
Key milestones
- 1831Enlisted in the Belgian army, served until 1836.
- 1845Appointed knight of the Order of Leopold.
- 1883A statue in his honor was erected in Antwerp shortly before his death.
Themes
Flemish national historyIdyllic realismFlemish rural and urban lifeRomanticismCultural identity
Sources: britannica.com · id.loc.gov · flandersliterature.be