Ida Gerhardt facts for kids

Ida Gerhardt in 1968

Ida Gerhardt (born May 11, 1905, in Gorinchem – died August 15, 1997, in Warnsveld) was a Dutch poet. She was also a scholar of classical languages. She wrote poems that often explored nature and deeper meanings.

Her Life and Education

Ida Gerhardt grew up in Rotterdam. She went to the Erasmus Gymnasium school. There, a poet named J.H. Leopold taught her classical languages. He made a big impact on her. At this school, she also met Marie H. van der Zeyde, who became her close friend and colleague.

From 1924 to 1933, Ida studied classical languages. She studied first in Leiden and then in Utrecht. In 1942, she earned her degree with high honors. Her work was a translation of parts of a famous Latin poem. It was called De rerum natura (About the Nature of Things) by Lucretius.

Ida Gerhardt started teaching in 1937. She taught in Groningen and later in Kampen. In 1951, she moved to a special school in Bilthoven. This school was called the Werkplaats Kindergemeenschap. It was known for its different teaching methods. She taught there until she retired in 1963. After retiring, she moved to Eefde.

Her Poems and Books

Ida Gerhardt published her first book of poems, Kosmos, in May 1940. This was just before World War II began. Her poems often focused on nature. She loved describing rivers like the Merwede, Waal, Lek, and IJssel.

Because of her classical studies and Christian faith, she saw more than just landscapes. She looked for the "kosmos," which means the order and unity in all creation. She believed nature had deep meaning. She felt it was a poet's job to find and share this meaning. Her poems often had many layers of meaning. They connected words, nature, and personal feelings to a higher reality. This is why her work is sometimes called "symbolist."

For a while, her poems were not widely recognized. But from the 1970s onwards, people began to truly appreciate her work. She received important awards for her writing. In 1979, she won the Award for Mastership. In 1980, she received the P.C. Hooftprijs, which is a major Dutch literary prize.

Ida Gerhardt also translated many works. She worked with her friend Marie H. van der Zeyde to translate the Psalms. She also translated Latin poems by Virgil. For her Virgil translations, she won the famous Martinus Nijhoff Award. Her collected poems were published in 1980 and were reprinted many times.

Today, there is a poetry award named after her. It is called the Ida Gerhardt Poëzieprijs.

Images for kids

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  Ida Gerhardt in 1968