Laurentius von Schnüffis
Laurentius von Schnüffis, born Johannes Martin von Schnüffis on August 24, 1633, in Schnifis, Vorarlberg, Austria, was a notable figure in the arts during the 17th century. As poet laureate under Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I, he was recognized for his multifaceted talent as a writer, composer, comedian, and traveling actor, sponsored by Duke Ferdinand Karl. His most significant literary contribution is the shepherd novel titled *Philotheus*, published in 1665, which reflects idealized pastoral themes and traditional values, embodying the conventions of its genre.
In the same year, he joined the Kapuziner (Capuchin) monastic order, where he engaged in evangelistic efforts during his theatrical travels and earned the title of Prediger, akin to prominent reformers like Martin Luther. Laurentius eventually settled in Konstanz, where he passed away on January 7, 1702. While much of his creative work remains out of print, his musical piece "Nachtliche Lichter (Mirantische Mayen Pfeiff)" has been recorded, preserving a glimpse of his contributions. Manuscripts of his work can be found in the University of Konstanz's collection, indicating his lasting artistic legacy.
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Subject Terms
Laurentius von Schnüffis
Fiction Writer and Poet
- Born: August 24, 1633
- Birthplace: Schnüffis, Vorarlberg, Austria
- Died: January 7, 1702
- Place of death: Konstanz, Germany
Biography
Born Johannes Martin von Schnüffis on August 24, 1633, in Schnifis, Vorarlberg, Austria, Laurentius von Schnüffis was poet laureate under Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I and has been called “the [composer Franz] Schubert of his time.” He was a multifaceted artist, working not only as a writer and composer but also as a comedian and traveling actor under the sponsorship of Duke Ferdinand Karl.
He is best known as a writer for his Schäferroman, or shepherd novel, entitled Philotheus, an autobiographical text published in 1665. The shepherd novel, as its name would suggest, is a highly stylized and idealized pastoral tale in which traditional patriarchal values and chivalric ideals of femininity prevail. The stories are escapist and the vicissitudes of reality do not enter into play. Laurentius’s contribution to the genre conforms to the standard conventions.
In the same year the novel was published, Laurentius joined the Kapuziner (Capuchin) monastic order, an offshoot of the Franciscan order with origins in fifteenth century Italy. In his theatrical travels, Laurentius had opportunities to evangelize for the order and is often described in German texts as a Prediger (preacher), a term used to describe Martin Luther and John Wesley.
As Poet Laureate, Laurentius von Schnuffis settled in Konstanz, where he died on January 7, 1702. Although most of his work, both literary and musical, is out of print, his musical composition “Nachtliche Lichter (Mirantische Mayen Pfeiff)” was recorded on compact disc by the Armonico Tributo Austria, conducted by Lorenz Duftschmid. Manuscripts and archival versions of his works are available in the collection of the University of Konstanz.