August Adolph von Haugwitz
August Adolph von Haugwitz was a 17th-century German writer and landowner, born in 1647. Orphaned at a young age, he inherited his family's estate after the death of his father and mother. Haugwitz pursued education at the University of Wittenberg, where he studied subjects such as philosophy, history, and languages, during which he began writing plays, including "Schuldige Unschuld: Oder, Maria Stuarda." He traveled around Europe, creating numerous sonnets inspired by his experiences. After returning home, he married Elisabeth von Uechtritz, which elevated his social standing, and they lived a quiet life together. Following Elisabeth's death, he remarried Maria Sidonia von Warnsdorf, with whom he had four children. Haugwitz was active in literary circles throughout the 1680s and continued to engage with court life until his passing in the early 1700s. His contributions to literature and his family's legacy mark him as a significant figure of his time.
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Subject Terms
August Adolph von Haugwitz
Poet
- Born: May 14, 1645
- Birthplace: Uebigau, near Bautzen, Upper Lusatia, Germany
- Died: September 27, 1706
Biography
August Adolph von Haugwitz was born in 1647 in Germany. He was given the family land with his father’s death a few years later in 1652. His mother also died early, leaving him an only child. He was raised by an unknown family member until he came of age and was able to manage the family’s estate. In 1665, Haugwitz began to attend the University of Wittenberg, where he studied philosophy, history and geography, as well as French and Italian. While still in school, it is believed that Haugwitz wrote some of his first plays, including Schuldige Unschuld: Oder, Maria Stuarda and Soliman. They would find publication later in 1684 in the collection titled Prodromus Pieticus: Oder, Poetischer Vortrab.
In 1668, Haugwitz took leave of the University and took to traveling around Europe. During this time he wrote numerous sonnets about the places of his travels. Haugwitz returned home by late 1669, when he took control of his inheritance. Shortly thereafter, Haugwitz married Elisabeth von Uechtritz. The dowry of the marriage further improved their social status.
The couple lived together quietly during the 1670’s. Haugwitz began to participate in the literary circles of the day. He wrote through the 1680’s, dedicating much of his work to his family. His first wife died in the 1680’s, and he married Maria Sidonia von Warnsdorf in 1686. The couple would have four children. The family lived quietly, and Haugwitz continued to write and participate in the life of the court until his death in the early 1700’s.