Which Flemish writers continued producing Dutch-language literature during the period of French cultural influence?

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Flemish literature faced a period of decline as the intellectual elite increasingly adopted French culture. However, several writers continued to produce work in Dutch, maintaining the native literary tradition despite this influence.1

Notable figures who persisted in using the Dutch language during this era include:

• Justus de Harduwijn: A lyrical poet who wrote in the Classical style.1
• Richard Verstegen: A polemicist.1
• Adriaen Poirters: A popular moralist.1
• Willem Ogier and Cornelis de Bie: Dramatists of the period.1
• Michiel de Swaen: A significant Baroque poet and playwright deeply inspired by his religious faith.1

As the 18th century drew to a close, a more formal reaction against French cultural dominance emerged. Writers such as Willem Verhoeven and Jan Baptist Verlooy began to actively promote the use of Dutch, while the rederijkers (rhetoricians) continued their efforts to preserve the language. Later, Karel Broeckaert contributed to this revival through his essays and the first Flemish prose story, Jellen en Mietje (1811).2