Jump to content

Cornelia Schlosser: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Article in mainspace now
 
(41 intermediate revisions by 29 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
[[File:Cornelia Schlosser geb Goethe.jpg|thumb|Cornelia around 1770. Drawing by [[Johann Ludwig Ernst Morgenstern]]]]
{{Infobox person
[[File:FamilieGoetheOelgemaeldeSeekatz1763.jpg|thumb|Familie Goethe in Schäfertracht 1762. Cornelia ganz rechts]]
| honorific_prefix =
'''Cornelia Friederica Christiana Schlosser''' née Goethe (7 December 1750 – 8 June 1777) was a German letter writer. She was the sister and only surviving sibling of [[Johann Wolfgang von Goethe]].
| name = <!-- include middle initial, if not specified in birth_name -->
| honorific_suffix =
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| image = Cornelia Schlosser geb Goethe.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Cornelia around 1770. Drawing by [[Johann Ludwig Ernst Morgenstern]]
| birth_name = Cornelia Friederica Christiana Goethe
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1750|12|07|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Frankfurt on Main]], [[Holy Roman Empire]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|1777|6|8|1750|12|07|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Emmendingen]], [[Holy Roman Empire]]
| death_cause =
| resting_place =
| resting_place_coordinates = <!-- {{Coord|LAT|LONG|type:landmark|display=inline}} -->
| monuments =
| nationality =
| other_names =
| citizenship =
| education =
| alma_mater =
| occupation = [[Scribe]]
| years_active =
| employer =
| organization =
| agent =
| notable_works =
| style =
| height = <!-- {{height|cm=}} -->
| television =
| title =
| term =
| predecessor =
| successor =
| party =
| movement =
| opponents =
| boards =
| spouse = [[Johann Georg Schlosser]]
| partner = <!-- unmarried life partner; use ''Name (1950–present)'' -->
| children = Maria Anne Louise <br /> Catharina Elisabeth Julie
| parents = [[Johann Caspar Goethe]] (father)<br/>[[Catharina Elisabeth Goethe|Catharina Elisabeth Textor]] (mother)
| relatives = [[Johann Wolfgang von Goethe]] (brother)<br/>[[Christiane Vulpius]] (sister-in-law)<br/>[[August von Goethe]] (nephew)<br/>[[Walther von Goethe]] (grandnephew)
| awards =
| signature =
| signature_alt =
| signature_size =
| website = <!-- {{URL|Example.com}} -->
| footnotes =
}}
'''Cornelia Friederica Christiana Schlosser''' (née '''Goethe'''; 7 December 1750 – 8 June 1777) was the sister and only sibling of [[Johann Wolfgang von Goethe]] who survived to adulthood.


== Life ==
== Life ==
[[File:FamilieGoetheOelgemaeldeSeekatz1763.jpg|thumb|The Goethe family in 1762. Cornelia is to the far right.]]
Cornelia was fifteen months younger than her brother [[Johann Wolfgang von Goethe|Johann Wolfgang]]. She was born in [[Frankfurt am Main]]. The father, Imperial Councillor [[Johann Caspar Goethe]] (29 July 1710{{spaced ndash}}25 May1782), thought it appropriate for a woman of the upper classes to possess some higher education,<ref name=Tornius29 /> and Cornelia was educated together with the brother, which was unusual in those days. At the age of three, she was sent to an infant school, where she learned reading and writing with [[Magdalena Hoff]]. From the seventh year of her life, she and her were taught together by a tutor. [[Latin]] and [[ancient Greek]] were the first languages she was taught, and two years later, she also began receiving lessons in French. Additional subjects were English, Italian, [[law]], geography, mathematics and [[calligraphy]], as well as singing, piano, and [[drawing]]. She also learned [[fencing]] and [[Equestrianism|riding]] and received lessons in dancing and [[etiquette]]. In her remaining free time, she pursued literary interests, which she also discussed with her brother.
Cornelia Goethe, 15 months younger than her brother Johann Wolfgang, was born in [[Frankfurt am Main]]. Her father, imperial councillor [[Johann Caspar Goethe]] (29 July 1710{{spaced ndash}}25 May 1782), thought it appropriate for an upper-class woman to have some higher education,<ref name=Tornius29 /> and Cornelia was educated together with her brother, which was unusual in those days. At the age of three, she was sent to a kindergarten school, where she learnt reading and writing with [[Magdalena Hoff]]. From the age of seven, she and her brother were taught together by a tutor, [[Johann Heinrich Thym]]. [[Latin]] and [[ancient Greek]] were the first languages she was taught, and two years later, she also began receiving French lessons. She also learnt English, Italian, [[law]], [[geography]], [[mathematics]], and [[calligraphy]], as well as singing, piano, and [[drawing]]. She also learnt [[fencing]] and [[Equestrianism|horseriding]], and received lessons in dance and [[etiquette]]. In her leisure time, she pursued literary interests, which she discussed with her brother.


Cornelia did not fit into the easy-going time due to her grave and hypochondriac nature.<ref name=Tornius29 /> She did not love her parents quite normally, as there were too decisive differences between her character and that of her mother [[Katharina Elisabeth Goethe]] (1731&nbsp;- 1808), known as the jolly "Frau Rat" (''"Lady Councillor"''), and as she did not forgive the father for having overburdened her with knowledge and, thus, having robbed her of some pleasures of her childhood.<ref name=Tornius29 /> She felt attracted the more to the brother, who was the one who understood her and who did not ignore her predisposition to all great an beautiful.<ref name=Tornius29 /> She lived in mutual comity with Johann Wolfgang and turned out to be a loving comforter for him when he was plagued by fears and self-reproach in the aftermath of his adventures with his girlfriend ''Gretchen'' and, connected to this, his experiences in circles that were partially involved in criminal activities.<ref name=Tornius28>[[Valerian Tornius]]: Goethe&nbsp;— Leben, Wirken und Schaffen (''Goethe&nbsp;— Life, Work and Influence''). ''[[Ludwig Röhrscheid]]'' publishers, Bonn 1949, p.&nbsp;28</ref> In this situation, there were laid the foundations for an intimate friendship between Cornelia and Johann Wolfgang.<ref name=Tornius28 /> Cornelia's relations to him even brought about the highest luck for her that she experienced in all her life.<ref name=Tornius29>Valerian Tornius: Goethe&nbsp;— Leben, Wirken und Schaffen (''Goethe&nbsp;— Life, Work and Influence''). ''Ludwig Röhrscheid'' publishers, Bonn 1949, p.&nbsp;29</ref>
Cornelia did not fit into the relaxed environment of that time due to her serious and hypochondriac nature.<ref name=Tornius29 /> She did not relate well to her parents, as there were significant differences between her personality and that of her mother [[Catharina Elisabeth Goethe]] (1731 - 1808), who was known as the cheerful "Frau Rat" (''"Lady Councillor"''), and as she did not forgive her father for having overburdened her with studies and thus having robbed her of some joys of childhood.<ref name=Tornius29 /> She could relate better to her brother, who understood her and did not ignore her interest in intellectual pursuits.<ref name=Tornius29 /> She had a good relationship with Johann Wolfgang and turned out to be a source of love, comfort, and support for him when he was plagued by fears and self-reproach after his relationship with his girlfriend ''Gretchen'' ended. Goethe's relationship with ''Gretchen'' had led him to move in circles that were involved in somewhat criminal activities.<ref name=Tornius28>[[Valerian Tornius]]: Goethe&nbsp;— Leben, Wirken und Schaffen (''Goethe&nbsp;— Life, Work and Influence''). ''[[Ludwig Röhrscheid]]'' publishers, Bonn 1949, p.&nbsp;28</ref> These circumstances laid the foundations for a deep friendship between Cornelia and Johann Wolfgang.<ref name=Tornius28 /> Of all relationships in her life, Cornelia's relationship with her brother was the closest and a source of great happiness for her.<ref name=Tornius29>Valerian Tornius: Goethe&nbsp;— Leben, Wirken und Schaffen (''Goethe&nbsp;— Life, Work and Influence''). ''Ludwig Röhrscheid'' publishers, Bonn 1949, p.&nbsp;29</ref> Her circle of friends consisted of women who were enjoying the exuberance of youth and did not fear her as a rival.<ref name=Tornius29-30>Valerian Tornius: Goethe&nbsp;— Leben, Wirken und Schaffen (''Goethe&nbsp;— Life, Work and Influence''). ''Ludwig Röhrscheid'' publishers, Bonn 1949, p.&nbsp;29-30</ref>


When Johann Wolfgang went to [[Leipzig]] to study law, Cornelia stayed at home in Frankfurt. Johann Wolfgang's three years in Leipzig interrupted the siblings' daily contact for the first time.<ref name=Mandelkow522>[[Karl Robert Mandelkow]], Bodo Morawe: Goethes Briefe (''Goethe's Letters''). 2.&nbsp;edition. Vol.&nbsp;1: Briefe der Jahre 1764-1786 (''Letters of the years 1764-1786''). ''Christian Wegner'' publishers, Hamburg 1968, p.&nbsp;522</ref> Cornelia observed that her brother adopted the prevalent attitude of the time toward women, that is, one in which women were considered subordinate to men. She took great interest in her brother's literary accomplishments and was often the first to know about his plans, drafts, and revisions.<ref name=Mandelkow522 /> Letters from this time that she wrote to her friend [[Katharina Fabricius]] in French have been preserved. Cornelia suffered the disadvantages of being a woman at that time, but did not see an alternative to marriage: ''Es ist offensichtlich, daß ich nicht immer Mädchen bleiben kann, überdies wäre es sehr lächerlich, sich das vorzunehmen.'' ("It is obvious that I cannot stay a girl all my life, and planning to do so would be ridiculous."). She married [[Johann Georg Schlosser]], a jurist, and had two daughters, Maria Anne Louise and Catharina Elisabeth Julie.
Praised by the brother for the depth and the meaningful glare of her eyes, Cornelia altogether was not outstandingly beautiful. All-too often analyzing this with her sharp intellect, she deprived herself of all pleasure, though she loved to have fun with others.<ref name=Tornius29 /> She lived in a circle of pretty, but rather superficial friends who were enjoying life in the exuberance of youth and willingly held side with her, as they did not have to fear her as a rival.<ref name=Tornius29-30>Valerian Tornius: Goethe&nbsp;— Leben, Wirken und Schaffen (''Goethe&nbsp;— Life, Work and Influence''). ''Ludwig Röhrscheid'' publishers, Bonn 1949, p.&nbsp;29-30</ref>


She died in [[Emmendingen]] at the age of 26.
When Johann Wolfgang went to [[Leipzig]] to study the law, Cornelia stayed at home in Frankfurt. The brother's three years in Leipzig for the first time interrupted the siblings' daily contact.<ref name=Mandelkow522>[[Karl Robert Mandelkow]], Bodo Morawe: Goethes Briefe (''Goethe's Letters''). 2.&nbsp;edition. Vol.&nbsp;1: Briefe der Jahre 1764-1786 (''Letters of the years 1764-1786''). ''Christian Wegner'' publishers, Hamburg 1968, p.&nbsp;522</ref> Cornelia observed her brother taking on the general attitude of the time toward women, that is one of male dominance. She took great interest in the her brother's poetical productions and often was the first to know about his plans, drafts, and elaborations.<ref name=Mandelkow522 /> Letters from this time that she wrote to her friend [[Katharina Fabricius]] in French have been preserved. Cornelia suffered under the disadvantages of being a woman, but did not see an alternative to marriage: "Es ist offensichtlich, daß ich nicht immer Mädchen bleiben kann, überdies wäre es sehr lächerlich, sich das vorzunehmen." (''It is obvious that I cannot stay a girl all my life, and planning to do so would be ridiculous.'')

She died in [[Emmendingen]] at the age of 26.
[[File:GoetheCornelia.jpg|thumb|Cornelia Schlosser]]
[[File:GoetheCornelia.jpg|thumb|Cornelia Schlosser]]


== Honours ==
== Legacy ==
The Cornelia Goethe Center for Women's and Gender Studies at the [[University of Frankfurt]] is named after her, as is the Cornelia Goethe Prize that it awards.


The interdisciplinary Cornelia Goethe Center for Women's and Gender Studies at the [[Goethe University Frankfurt|University of Frankfurt]] is named after her,<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Cornelia Goethe Center|url=http://www.cgc.uni-frankfurt.de/en/2805/cornelia-goethe-center-2/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114165134/http://www.cgc.uni-frankfurt.de/en/2805/cornelia-goethe-center-2/ |archive-date=14 January 2021 |access-date=January 12, 2021|website=}}</ref> as is the Cornelia Goethe Prize that it awards.
== Notes ==

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== General references ==
== Sources ==
* {{Cite journal|last=Hock|first=Sabine|url= http://www.sabinehock.de/publikationen/tagespresse/archiv/tagespresse_029.html |title=
* {{Cite journal|ref=none|via=|last=Hock|first=Sabine|url=http://www.sabinehock.de/publikationen/tagespresse/archiv/tagespresse_029.html|title=Zeitlebens litt Cornelia an ihrer 'Hässlichkeit': die jung gestorbene Schwester Goethes krankte an einem unglücklichen und unerfüllten Leben|language=de|trans-title=All her life Cornelia suffered from her 'ugliness': Goethe's sister, who died young suffered from an unhappy and unfulfilled life (Biography of Cornelia Goethe)|journal=Wochendienst: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt Am Main|date=1998|volume=|issue=7|pages=1–2}}
* {{Cite web |publisher=Cornelia Goethe Center for Women's and Gender Studies at the [[Goethe University Frankfurt|University of Frankfurt]] |url=http://www.cgc.uni-frankfurt.de/cgc-centrum-cornelia.shtml |language=de |title=Cornelia Goethe (1750-1777) |access-date=3 June 2014 |archive-date=31 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131152154/http://www.cgc.uni-frankfurt.de/cgc-centrum-cornelia.shtml |url-status=dead }}
Zeitlebens litt Cornelia an ihrer 'Hässlichkeit': die jung gestorbene Schwester Goethes krankte an einem unglücklichen und unerfüllten Leben|language=German |trans_title= All her life Cornelia suffered from her 'ugliness': Goethe's sister, who died young suffered from an unhappy and unfulfilled life (Biography of Cornelia Goethe)|journal=Wochendienst: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main|date=1998|issue=7|pages=1–2}}
* {{Cite book|ref=none|first1=Georg|last1=Witkowski|author-link= Georg Witkowski|title=Cornelia, die Schwester Goethes|trans-title=Cornelia, Goethe's Sister|language=de|publisher=Nabu Press |orig-year=reprint of 1903 edition|date=28 September 2011|isbn= 9781246961430}}
* {{Cite web|publisher=Cornelia Goethe Center for Women's and Gender Studies at the [[University of Frankfurt]] |url= http://www.cgc.uni-frankfurt.de/cgc-centrum-cornelia.shtml |language=German|title=Cornelia Goethe (1750-1777) }}
* {{Cite book|ref=none|first1= Melanie |last1= Baumann |title= Cornelia Goethe, Briefe und Correspondance secrete 1767–1769|trans-title=Cornelia Goethe, Letters and Secret Correspondance 1767–1769 |language=de|publisher= Kore |date=1990|location=Freiburg|isbn=3926023228 }}
* {{Cite book|ref=none|first1= Ulrike |last1= Prokop |title= Die Illusion vom Großen Paar. Weibliche Lebensentwürfe 1750–1770'|trans-title=The Illusion of the Great Couple. Feminine Life Plans 1750–1770 |language=de|publisher= Fischer |date=1991|location= Frankfurt |isbn=3596273978}}
* {{Cite book|ref=none|first1= Ulrike |last1= Prokop |title= Die Illusion vom großen Paar. Band 2: Das Tagebuch der Cornelia Goethe|trans-title=The Illusion of the Great Couple. Volume 2: The Diary of Cornelia Goethe |language=de|publisher= Fischer |date=1991|location= Frankfurt |isbn=3596273978}}
* {{Cite journal|ref=none|first1= Walfried |last1= Linden |title= Marie, Gretchen, Helena. Goethe und seine Schwester Cornelia im Spiegel seiner Frauengestalten |trans-title=Marie, Gretchen, Helena: an analysis of Goethe and his Minter Cornelia in the context of women in Goethe's poetry |language=de|date=1989|journal= Jahrbuch der Psychonalalyse|issue=27|pages= 224–239|issn=0075-2363|publisher=Frommann-Holzboog|location=Stuttgart }}
* {{Cite book|ref=none |first1= Sigrid |last1= Damm |title= Cornelia, Goethe |language= de |publisher= Insel |date= 1992 |location= Frankfurt am Main and Leipzig |isbn= 3458331522 |url-access= registration |url= https://archive.org/details/corneliagoethe0000damm_h0k5 }}
* {{Cite book|ref=none|first1= Stephanie |last1= Fleischer |chapter= Literatur und Lebensgestaltung. Cornelia als Leserin zeitgenössischer Briefromane|trans-chapter=Literature and Life Planning. Cornelia as a Reader of Contemporary Letter Novels |language=de|volume=6|title=Welfengarten. Jahrbuch für Essayismus|isbn= 9783927715363|date=1996|pages= 69–82}}
* {{Cite book|ref=none|first1= Ilse |last1= Nagelschmidt |title= Begegnung der Zeiten. Festschrift für Helmut Richter zum 65. Geburtstag'|trans-title=Meeting of the Times. Festschrift for Helmut Richter on his 65th Birthday|chapter=Briefe und Tagebücher als Effekt Biographischen Erzählens. Zwei Frauen im Spiegel des Textes. Cornelia Goethe. Brigitte Reimann |trans-chapter=Letters and Diaries as an Effect of Biographical Narration. Two Women Reflected in the Text. Cornelia Goethe. Brigitte Reimann|language=de|editor1-last= Fasold |editor1-first= Regina|pages=277–291|publisher= Universitätsverlag, Leipzig |date=1999 |isbn=3933240794}}
* {{Cite book|ref=none|first1= Gerlinde |last1= Kraus|title= Cornelia Goethe – Ein typisches Frauenleben im 18. Jahrhundert? Porträt einer Frankfurter Bürgerin |trans-title=Cornelia Goethe – A Typical Woman's Life in the 18th Century? Portrait of a Bougeoise Woman in Frankfurter |language=de|publisher= Schroeder Verlagsbuchhandlung | date=2010|location= Mühlheim am Main |isbn=9783981125184}}


== External links ==
<!-- For expansion, conversion to footnotes, and evidence of notability: -->
* {{Cite book|first1=Georg|last1=Witkowski|authorlink= Georg Witkowski|title=Cornelia, die Schwester Goethes|trans_title=Cornelia, Goethe's Sister|language=German|publisher=Nabu Press |origyear=reprint of 1903 edition|date=28 September 2011|isbn= 9781246961430}}
* {{Cite book|first1= Melanie |last1= Baumann |title= Cornelia Goethe, Briefe und Correspondance secrete 1767–1769|trans_title= Cornelia Goethe, Letters and Secret Correspondance 1767–1769 |language=German|publisher= Kore |origyear= |date=1990|location=Freiburg|isbn=3926023228 }}
* {{Cite book|first1= Ulrike |last1= Prokop |title= Die Illusion vom Großen Paar. Weibliche Lebensentwürfe 1750–1770'|trans_title= The Illusion of the Great Couple. Femine Life Plans 1750–1770 |language=German|publisher= Fischer |date=1991|location= Frankfurt |isbn=3596273978}}
* {{Cite book|first1= Ulrike |last1= Prokop |title= Die Illusion vom großen Paar. Band 2: Das Tagebuch der Cornelia Goethe|trans_title= The Illusion of the Great Couple. Volume 2: The Diary of Cornelia Goethe |language=German|publisher= Fischer |origyear= |date=1991|location= Frankfurt |isbn=3596273978}}
* {{Cite journal|first1= Walfried |last1= Linden |title= Marie, Gretchen, Helena. Goethe und seine Schwester Cornelia im Spiegel seiner Frauengestalten |trans_title= Marie, Gretchen, Helena: an analysis of Goethe and his Minter Cornelia in the context of women in Goethe's poetry |language=German|date=1989|journal= Jahrbuch der Psychonalalyse|issue=27|pages= 224–239|issn=0075-2363|publisher=Frommann-Holzboog|location=Stuttgart }}
* {{Cite book|first1= Sigrid |last1= Damm |title= Cornelia, Goethe |language=German|publisher= Insel |origyear= |date=1992|location= Frankfurt am Main and Leipzig |isbn=3458331522}}
* {{Cite book|first1= Stephanie |last1= Fleischer |chapter= Literatur und Lebensgestaltung. Cornelia als Leserin zeitgenössischer Briefromane|trans_chapter= Literature and Life Planning. Cornelia as a Reader of Contemporary Letter Novels |language=German|volume=6|title=
Welfengarten. Jahrbuch für Essayismus||isbn= 9783927715363|date=1996|pages= 69–82}}
* {{Cite book|first1= Ilse |last1= Nagelschmidt |title= Begegnung der Zeiten. Festschrift für Helmut Richter zum 65. Geburtstag'|trans_title= Meeting of the Times. Festschrift for Helmut Richter on his 65th Birthday|chapter=Briefe und Tagebücher als Effekt Biographischen Erzählens. Zwei Frauen im Spiegel des Textes. Cornelia Goethe. Brigitte Reimann |trans_chapter= Letters and Diaries as an Effect of Biographical Narration. Two Women Reflected in the Text. Cornelia Goethe. Brigitte Reimann|language=German|editor1-last= Fasold |editor1-first= Regina|pages=277–291|publisher= Universitätsverlag, Leipzig |date=1999 |isbn=3933240794}}
* {{Cite book|first1= Gerlinde |last1= Kraus|title= Cornelia Goethe – Ein typisches Frauenleben im 18. Jahrhundert? Porträt einer Frankfurter Bürgerin |trans_title= Cornelia Goethe – A Typical Woman's Life in the 18th Century? Portrait of a Bougeoise Woman in Frankfurter |language=German|publisher= Schroeder Verlagsbuchhandlung | date=2010|location= Mühlheim am Main |isbn=9783981125184}}


== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote|Cornelia Goethe|Cornelia Schlosser}}
{{Wikiquote|Cornelia Goethe|Cornelia Schlosser}}
* {{DNB-Portal|11871791X}}
* {{DNB-Portal|11871791X}}
* [http://www.fembio.org/biographie.php/frau/biographie/cornelia-goethe/ FemBiographie Cornelia Goethe, verh. Schlosser] {{de icon}}
* [http://www.fembio.org/biographie.php/frau/biographie/cornelia-goethe/ FemBiographie Cornelia Goethe, verh. Schlosser] {{in lang|de}}
* [http://goethe-genealogie.de/bildergalerie/bilder4-cornelia.html Bildergalerie zu Cornelia und ihrer Familie] {{de icon}}
* [http://goethe-genealogie.de/bildergalerie/bilder4-cornelia.html Bildergalerie zu Cornelia und ihrer Familie] {{in lang|de}}
* [http://www.zeno.org/Literatur/M/Lenz,+Jakob+Michael+Reinhold/Gedichte/Gedichte/95.+%5BWillkommen+kleine+B%C3%BCrgerin%5D J. M. R. Lenz' Gedicht ''Willkommen kleine Bürgerin] {{de icon}}
* [http://www.zeno.org/Literatur/M/Lenz,+Jakob+Michael+Reinhold/Gedichte/Gedichte/95.+%5BWillkommen+kleine+B%C3%BCrgerin%5D J. M. R. Lenz' Gedicht ''Willkommen kleine Bürgerin] {{in lang|de}}


{{Authority control|PND=11871791X|LCCN=n/83/33018|VIAF=27866211}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Schlosser, Cornelia}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Schlosser, Cornelia}}

{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
|NAME=Schlosser, Cornelia
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Goethe, Cornelia Friederica Christiana
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=German author of letters and sister of [[Johann Wolfgang von Goethe]]
|DATE OF BIRTH=7 Dezember 1750
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Frankfurt am Main]]
|DATE OF DEATH=8 Juni 1777
|PLACE OF DEATH=[[Emmendingen]]
}}

[[Category:1750 births]]
[[Category:1750 births]]
[[Category:1777 deaths]]
[[Category:1777 deaths]]
[[Category:German letter writers]]
[[Category:18th-century German letter writers]]
[[Category:Women letter writers]]
[[Category:18th-century German writers]]
[[Category:18th-century German writers]]
[[Category:18th-century German women writers]]


[[de:Cornelia Schlosser]]
[[fr:Cornelia Schlosser]]
[[es:Cornelia Schlosser]]
[[ru:Шлоссер, Корнелия]]
[[sv:Cornelia Schlosser]]

Latest revision as of 04:41, 18 August 2024

Cornelia Schlosser
Cornelia around 1770. Drawing by Johann Ludwig Ernst Morgenstern
Born
Cornelia Friederica Christiana Goethe

(1750-12-07)7 December 1750
Frankfurt on Main, Holy Roman Empire
Died8 June 1777(1777-06-08) (aged 26)
Emmendingen, Holy Roman Empire
OccupationScribe
SpouseJohann Georg Schlosser
ChildrenMaria Anne Louise
Catharina Elisabeth Julie
Parent(s)Johann Caspar Goethe (father)
Catharina Elisabeth Textor (mother)
RelativesJohann Wolfgang von Goethe (brother)
Christiane Vulpius (sister-in-law)
August von Goethe (nephew)
Walther von Goethe (grandnephew)

Cornelia Friederica Christiana Schlosser (née Goethe; 7 December 1750 – 8 June 1777) was the sister and only sibling of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe who survived to adulthood.

Leben

[edit]
The Goethe family in 1762. Cornelia is to the far right.

Cornelia Goethe, 15 months younger than her brother Johann Wolfgang, was born in Frankfurt am Main. Her father, imperial councillor Johann Caspar Goethe (29 July 1710 – 25 May 1782), thought it appropriate for an upper-class woman to have some higher education,[1] and Cornelia was educated together with her brother, which was unusual in those days. At the age of three, she was sent to a kindergarten school, where she learnt reading and writing with Magdalena Hoff. From the age of seven, she and her brother were taught together by a tutor, Johann Heinrich Thym. Latin and ancient Greek were the first languages she was taught, and two years later, she also began receiving French lessons. She also learnt English, Italian, law, geography, mathematics, and calligraphy, as well as singing, piano, and drawing. She also learnt fencing and horseriding, and received lessons in dance and etiquette. In her leisure time, she pursued literary interests, which she discussed with her brother.

Cornelia did not fit into the relaxed environment of that time due to her serious and hypochondriac nature.[1] She did not relate well to her parents, as there were significant differences between her personality and that of her mother Catharina Elisabeth Goethe (1731 - 1808), who was known as the cheerful "Frau Rat" ("Lady Councillor"), and as she did not forgive her father for having overburdened her with studies and thus having robbed her of some joys of childhood.[1] She could relate better to her brother, who understood her and did not ignore her interest in intellectual pursuits.[1] She had a good relationship with Johann Wolfgang and turned out to be a source of love, comfort, and support for him when he was plagued by fears and self-reproach after his relationship with his girlfriend Gretchen ended. Goethe's relationship with Gretchen had led him to move in circles that were involved in somewhat criminal activities.[2] These circumstances laid the foundations for a deep friendship between Cornelia and Johann Wolfgang.[2] Of all relationships in her life, Cornelia's relationship with her brother was the closest and a source of great happiness for her.[1] Her circle of friends consisted of women who were enjoying the exuberance of youth and did not fear her as a rival.[3]

When Johann Wolfgang went to Leipzig to study law, Cornelia stayed at home in Frankfurt. Johann Wolfgang's three years in Leipzig interrupted the siblings' daily contact for the first time.[4] Cornelia observed that her brother adopted the prevalent attitude of the time toward women, that is, one in which women were considered subordinate to men. She took great interest in her brother's literary accomplishments and was often the first to know about his plans, drafts, and revisions.[4] Letters from this time that she wrote to her friend Katharina Fabricius in French have been preserved. Cornelia suffered the disadvantages of being a woman at that time, but did not see an alternative to marriage: Es ist offensichtlich, daß ich nicht immer Mädchen bleiben kann, überdies wäre es sehr lächerlich, sich das vorzunehmen. ("It is obvious that I cannot stay a girl all my life, and planning to do so would be ridiculous."). She married Johann Georg Schlosser, a jurist, and had two daughters, Maria Anne Louise and Catharina Elisabeth Julie.

She died in Emmendingen at the age of 26.

Cornelia Schlosser

Legacy

[edit]

The interdisciplinary Cornelia Goethe Center for Women's and Gender Studies at the University of Frankfurt is named after her,[5] as is the Cornelia Goethe Prize that it awards.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e Valerian Tornius: Goethe — Leben, Wirken und Schaffen (Goethe — Life, Work and Influence). Ludwig Röhrscheid publishers, Bonn 1949, p. 29
  2. ^ a b Valerian Tornius: Goethe — Leben, Wirken und Schaffen (Goethe — Life, Work and Influence). Ludwig Röhrscheid publishers, Bonn 1949, p. 28
  3. ^ Valerian Tornius: Goethe — Leben, Wirken und Schaffen (Goethe — Life, Work and Influence). Ludwig Röhrscheid publishers, Bonn 1949, p. 29-30
  4. ^ a b Karl Robert Mandelkow, Bodo Morawe: Goethes Briefe (Goethe's Letters). 2. edition. Vol. 1: Briefe der Jahre 1764-1786 (Letters of the years 1764-1786). Christian Wegner publishers, Hamburg 1968, p. 522
  5. ^ "Cornelia Goethe Center". Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2021.

Sources

[edit]
  • Hock, Sabine (1998). "Zeitlebens litt Cornelia an ihrer 'Hässlichkeit': die jung gestorbene Schwester Goethes krankte an einem unglücklichen und unerfüllten Leben" [All her life Cornelia suffered from her 'ugliness': Goethe's sister, who died young suffered from an unhappy and unfulfilled life (Biography of Cornelia Goethe)]. Wochendienst: Presse- und Informationsamt der Stadt Frankfurt Am Main (in German) (7): 1–2.
  • "Cornelia Goethe (1750-1777)" (in German). Cornelia Goethe Center for Women's and Gender Studies at the University of Frankfurt. Archived from the original on 31 January 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  • Witkowski, Georg (28 September 2011) [reprint of 1903 edition]. Cornelia, die Schwester Goethes [Cornelia, Goethe's Sister] (in German). Nabu Press. ISBN 9781246961430.
  • Baumann, Melanie (1990). Cornelia Goethe, Briefe und Correspondance secrete 1767–1769 [Cornelia Goethe, Letters and Secret Correspondance 1767–1769] (in German). Freiburg: Kore. ISBN 3926023228.
  • Prokop, Ulrike (1991). Die Illusion vom Großen Paar. Weibliche Lebensentwürfe 1750–1770' [The Illusion of the Great Couple. Feminine Life Plans 1750–1770] (in German). Frankfurt: Fischer. ISBN 3596273978.
  • Prokop, Ulrike (1991). Die Illusion vom großen Paar. Band 2: Das Tagebuch der Cornelia Goethe [The Illusion of the Great Couple. Volume 2: The Diary of Cornelia Goethe] (in German). Frankfurt: Fischer. ISBN 3596273978.
  • Linden, Walfried (1989). "Marie, Gretchen, Helena. Goethe und seine Schwester Cornelia im Spiegel seiner Frauengestalten" [Marie, Gretchen, Helena: an analysis of Goethe and his Minter Cornelia in the context of women in Goethe's poetry]. Jahrbuch der Psychonalalyse (in German) (27). Stuttgart: Frommann-Holzboog: 224–239. ISSN 0075-2363.
  • Damm, Sigrid (1992). Cornelia, Goethe (in German). Frankfurt am Main and Leipzig: Insel. ISBN 3458331522.
  • Fleischer, Stephanie (1996). "Literatur und Lebensgestaltung. Cornelia als Leserin zeitgenössischer Briefromane" [Literature and Life Planning. Cornelia as a Reader of Contemporary Letter Novels]. Welfengarten. Jahrbuch für Essayismus (in German). Vol. 6. pp. 69–82. ISBN 9783927715363.
  • Nagelschmidt, Ilse (1999). "Briefe und Tagebücher als Effekt Biographischen Erzählens. Zwei Frauen im Spiegel des Textes. Cornelia Goethe. Brigitte Reimann" [Letters and Diaries as an Effect of Biographical Narration. Two Women Reflected in the Text. Cornelia Goethe. Brigitte Reimann]. In Fasold, Regina (ed.). Begegnung der Zeiten. Festschrift für Helmut Richter zum 65. Geburtstag' [Meeting of the Times. Festschrift for Helmut Richter on his 65th Birthday] (in German). Universitätsverlag, Leipzig. pp. 277–291. ISBN 3933240794.
  • Kraus, Gerlinde (2010). Cornelia Goethe – Ein typisches Frauenleben im 18. Jahrhundert? Porträt einer Frankfurter Bürgerin [Cornelia Goethe – A Typical Woman's Life in the 18th Century? Portrait of a Bougeoise Woman in Frankfurter] (in German). Mühlheim am Main: Schroeder Verlagsbuchhandlung. ISBN 9783981125184.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cornelia Schlosser.
Wikiquote has quotations related to Cornelia Schlosser.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cornelia_Schlosser&oldid=1240905602"