Harriet von Rathlef facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harriet Ellen Siderowna von Rathlef-Keilmann
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Harriet Keilmann at the age of 18 in Riga
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| Born |
Harriet Keilmann
3 January 1887 Riga, Latvia
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| Died | 1 May 1933 (aged 46) Berlin, Germany
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| Nationality | German |
| Education | Bauhaus |
| Known for | Sculpture, Writing |
| Spouse(s) |
Harald von Rathlef
(m. 1908–1922) |
Harriet Ellen Siderowna von Rathlef-Keilmann (born January 3, 1887 – died May 1, 1933) was a talented German artist. She was known for her sculptures and for writing children's books.
Early Life and Education
Harriet Keilmann was born into an important Jewish family. Her birthplace was Riga, which was then part of the Russian Empire. In 1908, she married Harald von Rathlef in Riga. He was a lieutenant in a special cavalry unit called the Czarist Regiment of the Alexander Hussars. Harriet and Harald had four children together.
In December 1918, their family had to leave Russia. They were escaping the changes happening during the Russian Revolution. They moved to Weimar, Germany. There, Harriet studied art at the famous Bauhaus school until 1921. Her teacher was Walter Gropius, a very important architect.
Harriet divorced her husband in 1922. She then supported her children by creating and selling her art. This included sculptures, drawings, and illustrations for books.
Later Life and Work
In 1925, Harriet became a strong supporter of Anna Anderson. Anna Anderson claimed to be Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia. Harriet became friends with Anna and wrote many articles about her story. In the same year, Harriet also changed her religion to Roman Catholicism.
Harriet was active in art groups and social causes in Berlin. However, when Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party came to power, things changed. She was forced to leave the Society of Berlin Women Artists. Harriet was worried about the political situation in Nazi Germany. She hoped to leave the country for a safer place. Sadly, she died in Berlin on May 1, 1933, from a burst appendix before she could make her plans.
In Popular Culture
Harriet Rathlef-Keilmann was shown in the 1956 film The Story of Anastasia. The German actress Käthe Braun played her character in the movie.
See also
In Spanish: Harriet von Rathlef para niños
