How did Romanticism support Flemish nationalist consciousness in the 19th century?

In 19th-century Belgium, Romanticism played a pivotal role in fostering Flemish nationalist consciousness by encouraging a rediscovery of the region's rich medieval heritage. This movement was driven by a generation of philologists, including Jan Frans Willems, who sought to reclaim and celebrate the Flemish past.1

The movement gained significant momentum through literature, most notably via the work of Hendrik Conscience. As the creator of the Flemish novel, Conscience utilized the historical novel tradition—inspired by Sir Walter Scott—to dramatize key moments in Flemish history. His seminal work, The Lion of Flanders, which depicted the victory of the Flemish militia at the Battle of the Golden Spurs, became a cornerstone of this cultural revival. By freeing poetry from classical constraints and using vivid, imaginative narratives, Romantic writers helped instill a sense of identity and pride among the Flemish people, effectively serving as a catalyst for the Flemish national renaissance.12