Manesse
Eine Autobiographie nach Tagebüchern und Briefen
Friedrich Hebbel, born on March 18, 1813 in Wesselburen, Schleswig-Holstein, was an important German playwright and lyricist of the 19th century. His works are characterized by deep psychological insight and a gloomy, often pessimistic view of the world. Hebbel's early life was characterized by poverty and hard work. His father was a poor bricklayer and the family lived in difficult conditions.
Hebbel showed literary talent at an early age. After the death of his father in 1827, he moved to Hamburg, where he worked as a clerk and at the same time pursued his literary ambitions. With the support of patrons such as Amalie Schoppe, he was able to begin studying at the University of Heidelberg in 1835. Here he immersed himself in philosophy, history and literature before continuing his studies in Munich in 1837.
It was in Munich that Hebbel began to write seriously. His first important work, the drama "Judith" (1840), was his breakthrough. This was followed by other important dramas such as "Genoveva" (1841), "Maria Magdalena" (1844) and "Herodes and Mariamne" (1850). Hebbel's dramas are characterized by their intense examination of moral and social conflicts, often against the backdrop of a gloomy, fateful view of the world.
During his life, Hebbel kept an extensive diary, which offers insights into his world of thought and his artistic development. These diaries and his extensive correspondence provide a vivid picture of his inner life and his time.
An important turning point in Hebbel's life was his marriage to the actress Christine Enghaus in 1846, through whom he not only found a faithful companion, but also a muse and interpreter of his works. The marriage was a happy one and the couple had two children.
Hebbel's later work includes important dramas such as "Die Nibelungen" (1862), a monumental work that deals with the Germanic mythology in two parts ("Der gehörnte Siegfried" and "Siegfrieds Tod"). This work represents a high point in his dramatic art and reflects his deep historical and mythological interests.
Hebbel received numerous accolades for his work, including the Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art in 1851. Despite his success, he remained a critical spirit who closely followed and commented on the social and political developments of his time.
Friedrich Hebbel died in Vienna on December 13, 1863. His work left a lasting influence on German literature and drama. His ability to look deep into the human psyche and explore the darker side of human existence made him one of the most important playwrights of his time. Hebbel's diaries and letters are not only literary documents, but also valuable sources for understanding his personality and his artistic work. They show a man who was always in search of deeper truth and artistic perfection.