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Salomon GessnerSwiss poet, artist and graphic artist
Date of Birth: 01.04.1730
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
Swiss Polymath: Salomon Gessner
Life and Artistic BeginningsSalomon Gessner, a Swiss polymath, was born in Zurich. He resided in his hometown for most of his life, except for brief periods in Berlin and Hamburg (1749-1750), where he was influenced by Ramler and Hagedorn. As a bookseller, he sold his own literary works, the first of which to gain recognition was "Lied eines Schweizers an sein bewaffnetes Mäd" ("Song of a Swiss to His Armed Maiden").
Idyllic Masterpieces
Gessner's fame soared with his idyllic works, particularly his "Idyllen" (1756-1772). In these, he emerges as a skilled miniaturist, avoiding ostentation and depicting the "lives of shepherds and shepherdesses" in a somewhat abstract manner. Notably, his "Idylls" were translated into Russian by Vasily Levshin in 1787, contributing to Gessner's popularity beyond Switzerland.
Poetic Expressions
Gessner was not only a prolific artist but also a talented poet. His collection of poems, "Gedichte" (1762), further showcased his literary prowess. His verses celebrated "innocence, simplicity, pastoral morals, and tender hearts," as eloquently described by Karamzin.
Artistic Contributions
Beyond literature, Gessner was an accomplished artist and engraver. His artistic pursuits included "Briefe über die Landschaftsmalerei" ("Letters on Landscape Painting," 1772), offering insights into the art of capturing natural sceneries. He also successfully illustrated his own literary works, demonstrating his multifaceted talent.
