Quirinus Kuhlmann
Quirinus Kuhlmann was a German poet and religious figure, born in 1651 in Breslau, Silesia, now Wrocław, Poland. He exhibited a passion for reading from an early age and engaged in the arts despite having a speech impediment. Kuhlmann began his academic journey at the Magdalen Gymnasium before briefly attending the University of Jena to study law, a pursuit he ultimately abandoned. His early literary works, including "Unsterbliche Sterblichkeit" published in 1668, garnered acclaim, showcasing his talent for powerful imagery and religious themes. Deeply influenced by mysticism and the writings of Jakob Böhme, Kuhlmann became a committed Christian missionary, traveling across Europe to share his beliefs. Despite his efforts, he faced opposition and was ultimately charged with heresy. Tragically, Kuhlmann was executed by burning at the stake in Moscow in 1689. His legacy includes numerous poems and religious texts, reflecting the fervent spirituality that defined his life.
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Subject Terms
Quirinus Kuhlmann
Nonfiction Writer and Poet
- Born: February 25, 1651
- Birthplace: Breslau, Silesia (now Wrocław, Poland)
- Died: October 4, 1689
- Place of death: Moscow, Russia
Biography
Poet Quirinus Kuhlmann was born to a Lutheran family in Breslau, Silesia (now Wrocław, Poland), in 1651. He began studying at the Magdalen Gymnasium in Breslau in 1661. As a child, Kuhlmann was a voracious reader. Although he suffered from a speech impediment, he also was an active speaker and actor in the community.
His first books, Unsterbliche Sterblichkeit, and Schuldiges Ehren-Gedächtnü� were published in 1668. Unsterbliche Sterblichket was very well received and Kuhlmann was proud of his early writing success. He attended the University of Jena in 1670 to study law, a course of study he never completed. While studying in Jena, he published Himmlische Libes-küsse and Lehrreicher Geschichts-Herold. Kuhlmann, who was deeply religious, soon became disillusioned with university life, somehow feeling he was above it. In 1673, he traveled to Leiden to continue his studies. Around this time, he also became a follower of the German mystic Jakob Böhme. After the publication of his book Neubegeisterten Böhme in 1674, Kuhlmann traveled extensively as a Christian missionary.
Kuhlmann traveled throughout Europe studying the theologies of others, as well as picking up followers in many countries and cities around the Continent. However, Kuhlmann could not convert everyone he met. He was charged with heresy and burned at the stake in Moscow in 1689. He was the author of numerous poems that were recognized for their powerful imagery and religious fervor; his book of psalms, Kühlpsalter, was published between 1677 and 1686.