born May 21, 1855, Saint Amand lez-Puers, Belg.
died Nov. 27, 1916, Rouen, France
Belgian poet.
He wrote in French, producing more than 30 collections of poetry outstanding for its strength and range. His first book, Les Flamandes (1883), contains violently naturalistic poems. Later he began to show a growing concern for social problems. His major works include The Sunlit Hours (1896), The Evening Hours (1911), and Belgium's Agony (1915). His three main themes are Flanders, human energy, and his tender, understanding love for his wife. He also published plays and books on art. He was one of the group in Brussels who brought about the literary and artistic renaissance of the 1890s.