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Moritz HartmannAustrian poet, journalist and politician.
Date of Birth: 13.11.1821
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Austrian Poet, Journalist, and Politician
- Literary Debut and Revolutionary Zeal
- Political Activism and Exile
- Literary Output
- Reception in Russia
- "Das weiße Totenhemd"
Austrian Poet, Journalist, and Politician
Early Life and EducationMoritz Hartmann was born into a Jewish family in Duschnik, Bohemia (now Czech Republic). He later converted to Christianity and studied in Prague and Vienna.
Literary Debut and Revolutionary Zeal
In 1845, Hartmann published his debut poetry collection, "Kelch und Schwert," which explored themes of individual freedom and displayed his vivid imagination and passionate temperament. His subsequent poem, "Reimchronik des Pfaffen Mauritius" (1849), celebrated the Hungarian people's struggle for national liberation.
Political Activism and Exile
After the 1848 revolutions, Hartmann was forced to flee to Paris, where he sent political dispatches to the "Kölnische Zeitung." During the Crimean War, he served as a correspondent for the same newspaper near the war zone. He eventually returned to France, settling near Vienna where he remained until his death.
Literary Output
Beyond his poetry and journalism, Hartmann also authored the idyllic poem "Adam und Eva" (1851), as well as poetic narratives and novels including "Der Krieg um den Wald" (1850), "Die Diamanten der Baronin" (1868), and collections of stories such as "Schatten" (1851) and "Nach der Natur" (1866). His collected works were published in 10 volumes in 1873-1874.
Reception in Russia
Hartmann's works gained popularity in Russia through translations by Mikhail Mikhailov, Aleksei Pleshcheev, and Pyotr Weinberg. His ballad "Das weiße Totenhemd" (The White Shroud), in particular, resonated with Russian readers.
"Das weiße Totenhemd"
In this poem, Hartmann depicts a Hungarian count facing imminent execution for his role in the revolution. Despite his youth and bravery, the count anticipates the horrors of his impending fate and bids farewell to his mother, expressing both his defiance and vulnerability.
