Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born in Frankfurt on August 28, 1749. In 1765, he went to Leipzig to study law but showed more interest in painting and mingled with artists. After three years, he was forced to return to his homeland due to hemoptysis. From 1770-71, he went to Strasbourg to complete his law studies. There, he began writing, mainly lyrical poems, and experienced love for the first time, which would play a significant role in his life. In 1773, he published his first drama: "Götz von Berlichingen." The year 1775 was a year of travels. He visited Switzerland and Weimar, invited by Duke Karl August, where he was appointed as the Duke's advisor and Minister of Finance. Between 1786-87, he traveled to Italy, describing his impressions in the book "Italian Journey." During this time, he also worked on the first part of "Faust." He returned to Weimar on June 18, 1788, relieved of his governmental duties, retaining responsibility only for scientific institutions and the Court Theatre. He met the 23-year-old Christiane Vulpius and took her into his home. He would later marry her in 1806. In 1789, his son August was born, the only one of Christiane's sons to survive. Meanwhile, he made acquaintances, studied, and wrote, among other works, the masterpiece "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship." In 1809, he published one of his most famous novels, "Elective Affinities." His wife died in 1816, and in 1830, his son August, who was in Rome, passed away. Goethe lived on, renowned and celebrated in Weimar until his death on March 22, 1832.