Dorothea von Schlegel facts for kids
Dorothea Friederike von Schlegel (born Brendel Mendelssohn; October 24, 1764 – August 3, 1839) was a German writer and translator. She was known for her novels and for translating important books from other languages.
Her Life Story
Dorothea was born in Berlin in 1764. Her birth name was Brendel Mendelssohn. She was the oldest daughter of Moses Mendelssohn, a famous philosopher. He was a key thinker in the German Enlightenment, a time when people focused on reason and new ideas.
In 1783, she married a banker named Simon Veit. Their son, Philipp Veit, later became a painter. He joined a group of German Christian artists called "the Nazarenes." This group influenced English painters like the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
In 1797, Dorothea met the poet Friedrich von Schlegel at a social gathering. She later divorced Simon Veit in 1799.
Dorothea moved to Jena with her younger son, Philipp. Their home became a popular meeting place for writers and thinkers. Famous people like Schelling and Novalis visited them.
In 1801, her novel Florentin was published. It was released anonymously by Schlegel. Dorothea and Friedrich lived in Paris from 1802 to 1804. After her divorce, they married as Protestants. In 1807, Dorothea translated Corinne by Madame de Staël from French.
In 1808, Friedrich and Dorothea became Catholics. Dorothea continued to visit important social gatherings. She also spent time with Madame de Staël. Friedrich died in 1829. After his death, Dorothea moved to Frankfurt am Main. She lived there with her son Philipp until she passed away in 1839.
Why She Was Important
Dorothea grew up surrounded by famous writers, musicians, and thinkers. Her father, Moses Mendelssohn, was a leading figure in German literature. His close friend was Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, another important writer. Their work helped lead to more freedom and acceptance for Jewish people in Europe.
Dorothea's brother, Joseph Mendelssohn, was a friend of Alexander von Humboldt. Humboldt was a famous scientist and explorer. Dorothea's nephew, Felix Mendelssohn, was a well-known composer. Her niece, Fanny Mendelssohn, was also a talented musician.
Most of Dorothea's writings and letters are in German. Her family played a big part in the movement for Jewish freedom in Europe. This movement later became a target of the Third Reich and its unfair laws.
Dorothea's connection with Madame de Staël was very important. Madame de Staël was a supporter and literary friend of Dorothea's second husband, Friedrich Schlegel. Madame de Staël saw big changes in France, including the French Revolution. It was likely through Madame de Staël's husband, a Swedish Count, that the Schlegels received a title of nobility.
Her Writings
- Florentin. Lübeck and Leipzig, 1801.
- "Gespräch über die neueren Romane der Französinnen" [Conversation about recent novels of French women writers] in: Europa: Eine Zeitschrift (journal edited by Friedrich Schlegel), 1803, vol. 1, part 2, pp. 88–106
- Geschichte des Zauberers Merlin [Story of the Magician Merlin]. Leipzig, 1804. Translated and adapted from French sources
