The publication of the novel Lucinde in 1799 sparked intense controversy throughout German literary circles, as the text advocated for absolute individual freedom and fused sensual experiences with spiritual ideals. This work remains a defining example of the early Romantic period, reflecting the broader intellectual shifts Friedrich Schlegel championed during his multifaceted career as a writer and critic.
Early Intellectual Development
Born in Hanover in 1772, Friedrich Schlegel initially pursued legal studies at the University of Göttingen. He eventually abandoned this path to concentrate on classical literature and philosophy. By 1796, he settled in Jena, where he collaborated with his brother August Wilhelm Schlegel and other key figures of the emerging Romantic movement, including Novalis and Ludwig Tieck. During this time, he co-founded the journal Athenaeum, which served as a primary outlet for the group's essays, fragments, and aphorisms.
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Schlegel moved to Paris in 1802, where he engaged in intensive studies of Sanskrit and Persian. His 1808 publication, On the Language and Wisdom of India, proposed a comparative framework linking Sanskrit to several European languages, including German and Latin. This research placed him among the pioneers of Indo-European studies. Later, he produced extensive lecture series, including works on the philosophy of history and the philosophy of life, which sought to analyze cultural development through a lens that became increasingly conservative over time.
Conversion and Political Service
In 1808, Schlegel and his wife, Dorothea Veit, were baptized into the Catholic Church in Cologne. Following this transition, he became a vocal opponent of political and religious liberalism. He relocated to Vienna, entering the service of the Austrian Empire under Klemens von Metternich. In this capacity, he acted as a diplomat, journalist, and imperial court secretary, notably producing literature against Napoleon during the War of the Fifth Coalition. In 1814, he received the Supreme Order of Christ for his efforts.
Final Years
Throughout his final decade, Schlegel remained active in editorial and academic pursuits, including the publication of his magazine, Concordia, and the early stages of his collected works. His professional life involved significant travel, including a trip to Rome in 1819. He died in Dresden in 1829 at the age of 56 while finalizing preparations for a series of lectures. He is buried at the Alter Katholischer Friedhof.
Fast facts
- Born: 1772, Hanover
- Died: 1829, Dresden
- Educated at: University of Göttingen
- Religion: Catholic Church
- Key Movement: German Romanticism
- Major Award: Supreme Order of Christ
- Primary Languages: German
- Burial Site: Alter Katholischer Friedhof
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the journal Athenaeum?
Founded by the Schlegel brothers, it published critical fragments and essays that established the foundational principles of early German Romanticism.
Did Schlegel influence the study of languages?
Yes, he was a pioneer in comparative linguistics and Indo-European studies, famously theorizing connections between Sanskrit and European languages.
Achievements
- Supreme Order of Christ
- Genres: essay
