Johann Georg Jacobi
Johann Georg Jacobi (1740-1814) was an influential German poet and journalist of the eighteenth century, known for his contributions to literature and academia. Born the son of a wealthy sugar merchant, he was the elder brother of the renowned philosopher Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi. Jacobi studied theology and jurisprudence at universities in Göttingen and Helmstedt before becoming a professor of philosophy at the University of Halle in 1766. During his time there, he developed a close friendship with fellow writer William Ludwig Gleim, which led to collaborative literary efforts and the founding of the quarterly journal *Iris*, a significant platform for poetic expression in the Upper Rhine region.
After his success in Halle, Jacobi was appointed the first Protestant rector of Freiburg University, a role he held for the remainder of his life. His lyrical poetry was celebrated and set to music by notable composers such as Schubert and Mendelssohn, further amplifying his impact on the cultural landscape. Jacobi's legacy is evident in the respect he garnered from both students and faculty, culminating in a poignant funeral procession attended by King Friedrich William III, who acknowledged Jacobi's stature as a great poet and scholar.
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Subject Terms
Johann Georg Jacobi
Poet
- Born: September 2, 1740
- Birthplace: Düsseldorf, Germany
- Died: January 4, 1814
Biography
Johann Georg Jacobi, an eighteenth century poet and journalist, was born in Germany, the son of a wealthy sugar merchant. Jacobi was the eldest brother of Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi, the well-known eighteenth century German philosopher. From 1763 to 1766, Jacobi studied theology in Goettingen, Germany and jurisprudence in Helmstedt. In 1766, Jacobi was appointed professor of philosophy at the university in Halle, Germany. While in this position, Jacobi made the acquaintance of William Ludwig Gleim, a fellow writer and secretary of the cathedral chapter at Halberstadt, Germany. The two quickly became friends and shared their love of poetry and literature through correspondence. In 1769, Gleim procured a position for Jacobi at the cathedral chapter in Halberstadt.
While in Halberstadt, Jacobi began to expand his repertoire of lyrical poetry as well as writing theater performances and small plays. Many of Jacobi’s lyrical poems were set to music by great composers such as Schubert and Mendelssohn. Also at this time, with Gleim’s support, Jacobi founded the quarterly paperback journal titled Iris. This literary journal served as the forum for the poetic circle of the Upper Rhine area of Germany.
The success of Jacobi’s literary and journalistic endeavors spread, and soon he was offered a scholarly position at Freiburg University. At this time, German universities were questioning the benefits of becoming nondenominational. As a result, the Jesuit-run University of Freiburg secularized and became tolerant of Protestants. This shift in tolerance enabled Johann Georg Jacobi to become the first Protestant rector of Freiburg.
Jacobi lived out the remainder of his life serving as rector at Freiburg University. He was well-respected among students and faculty. Upon his death in 1814, students carried his coffin in a procession from the funeral to the graveyard. Upon passing the palace, King Friedrich William III stepped out on the palace balcony to pay his respects to the great poet and scholar Johann Georg Jacobi.