Why did Flemish writers turn away from Romanticism around 1860?

Around 1860, Flemish writers began a reaction against Romanticism, led by the Realist author Domien Sleeckx. This shift marked a departure from the sentimentalism, didacticism, and over-idealization that had characterized earlier 19th-century works.12

Instead of the Romantic focus, these writers embraced a new style defined by:

• Acute observation: A commitment to depicting the world as it is.12
• Real-life settings: A focus on local scenery and everyday environments.12
• Individual psychology: A deeper exploration of the human mind.12
• Accessible language: The use of everyday speech rather than classical or highly stylized forms.12

This movement toward Realism often incorporated humor and, in some cases, a pervasive sense of pessimism. By shunning the emotional excesses of the previous generation, these authors sought to ground their literature in the tangible realities of life.12