National Poet of Flanders. Born Dutch, by the age 11, Verhaeren had adopted the French language as his own. After attendance at the Jesuit College of Sainte Barbe, he studied law at the University of Leuven. He was admitted to the bar in 1881, but soon began devoting his time to literature. Intrigued by the work by members of "Les XX" a cohort of twenty Belgian artists, he began to pen criticisms and reviews of their work. He especially espoused impressionist painters bringing many to public attention. "Les Flamandes" his first poetry collection was printed in 1883 to positive reviews. His volume of short stories was less successful. That and health problems influenced his next three publications. However, in 1981, his marriage to artist Marthe Massin changed his outlook. His martial bliss was reflected in his next three poetry books, especially in "Les Heures claires" (1896). This prompted some of his most well known volumes, "Les Visages de la vie," "Toute la Flandre," and "Les Forces tumultueuses." He continued to publish plays, books on art and collections of lyrics. The dominant themes in his work were his love of Flanders, positive human ambition and love for his wife. By 1900, his works had been translated into more than twenty languages. He died when he fell under a moving train while trying to board. Sint Amands has a dedicated museum to Verhaeren exhibiting many original manuscripts and letters. He was nominated for Nobel Prize in Literature six times. After his death, he was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold.
National Poet of Flanders. Born Dutch, by the age 11, Verhaeren had adopted the French language as his own. After attendance at the Jesuit College of Sainte Barbe, he studied law at the University of Leuven. He was admitted to the bar in 1881, but soon began devoting his time to literature. Intrigued by the work by members of "Les XX" a cohort of twenty Belgian artists, he began to pen criticisms and reviews of their work. He especially espoused impressionist painters bringing many to public attention. "Les Flamandes" his first poetry collection was printed in 1883 to positive reviews. His volume of short stories was less successful. That and health problems influenced his next three publications. However, in 1981, his marriage to artist Marthe Massin changed his outlook. His martial bliss was reflected in his next three poetry books, especially in "Les Heures claires" (1896). This prompted some of his most well known volumes, "Les Visages de la vie," "Toute la Flandre," and "Les Forces tumultueuses." He continued to publish plays, books on art and collections of lyrics. The dominant themes in his work were his love of Flanders, positive human ambition and love for his wife. By 1900, his works had been translated into more than twenty languages. He died when he fell under a moving train while trying to board. Sint Amands has a dedicated museum to Verhaeren exhibiting many original manuscripts and letters. He was nominated for Nobel Prize in Literature six times. After his death, he was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold.
Bio by: Winter Birds PA
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