Hans Assmann von Abschatz
Hans Assmann von Abschatz was a notable German baroque poet and translator, born in 1646 into an aristocratic family in Breslau, now Wrocław, Poland. Orphaned at a young age, he pursued an extensive education that included six years of study in Liegnitz, followed by law studies in Strasbourg and Leyden. His travels across Europe enriched his knowledge and linguistic skills, particularly in older Indo-European languages. Upon returning home, he assumed responsibility for his family's affairs, marrying Anna von Hund, and gradually advanced in political roles, notably being appointed an envoy to Vienna and receiving a baronial title from Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I.
Abschatz's literary career flourished through his friendship with fellow baroque writer Daniel Casper von Lohenstein, which spurred his interest in poetry. He became known for translating works by celebrated poets, such as Giovanni Battista Guarini, which not only elevated his own poetic reputation but also inspired optimism about the potential for high-quality German literature. Abschatz passed away in 1699, and his tombstone commemorates him as "an honest man in his fatherland," reflecting his respected status in his community.
On this Page
Hans Assmann von Abschatz
Poet
- Born: February 4, 1646
- Birthplace: Breslau, Lower Silesia (now Wrocław, Poland)
- Died: April 22, 1699
- Place of death: Legnica, Lower Silesia (now in Poland)
Biography
Hans Assmann von Abschatz, a German baroque poet who translated the work of other poets, was born into an aristocratic family in Breslau, Lower Silesia (now Wrocław, Poland), in 1646. His father died when he was young and his mother, Margarete of Kanitz, died just as he entered his teens. His studies included six years in Liegnitz, followed by law studies in Strasbourg and Leyden.
In his early twenties, he spent three years traveling in Europe as part of his studies, visiting Paris, Rome, and northern Italy to complete his education. He became an expert linguist, translating older variations of Indo-European languages. With his studies complete, he returned home and took over the administration of his family’s affairs and married Anna von Hund. Abschatz rose in the ranks of statesmanship. He was twice appointed an envoy to Vienna and made a baron by Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I. He also was elected to the Congress of the Sovereigns of Silesia.
Abschatz’s interest in poetry grew with his friendship with Daniel Casper von Lohenstein, an influential baroque writer. Abschatz translated the work of other poets, including Giovanni Battista Guarini, which brought him attention and heightened the popularity of his own poetry. The fact that Abschatz, a nobleman, was also a poet made Germans hopeful that they could produce quality literature. Abschatz died in 1699. Inscribed on his tombstone are the words, “He was an honest man in his fatherland.”