FRIEDRICH VON SCHILLER (1759–1805)
Life
Friedrich von Schiller was born on 10 November 1759 in Marbach am Neckar in the Duchy of Württemberg. He studied at the military academy Karlsschule in Stuttgart, first studying law and later medicine. After finishing his studies he briefly worked as a military doctor.
He achieved literary fame with his drama The Robbers (Die Räuber) in 1781, which became one of the key works of the Sturm und Drang movement. Another important drama from this period is Intrigue and Love (Kabale und Liebe).
In the 1790s Schiller formed a close intellectual partnership with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Their cooperation created the foundation of Weimar Classicism.
Among his most famous works are the dramas Wallenstein, The Maid of Orleans, and William Tell.
Schiller was also an important poet. His poems The Glove, The Song of the Bell, and Ode to Joy became widely known. The latter later served as the text for the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
Schiller and Jáchymov
Friedrich Schiller visited Jáchymov together with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe during Goethe’s stay in Karlovy Vary. Goethe had a strong interest in geology and mining and during this visit descended into the Svornost mine to study the mining operations and geological conditions of the region.
Schiller accompanied him during this visit to the town.
Death
Friedrich von Schiller died on 9 May 1805 in Weimar.
