Sebastian Brant
Sebastian Brant was a notable figure born in Strasbourg, Germany (now in France), who made significant contributions as a scholar and poet in the late 15th century. He initially pursued studies in philosophy at the University of Basel but shifted his focus to law, obtaining his degree in canon and civil law in 1489. After teaching jurisprudence for a time, Brant returned to Strasbourg, where he became a prominent local figure. His literary works, composed in both Latin and German, reflect his perspectives on the political and religious landscape of his time.
Brant is best known for his allegorical poem "Das Narrenschiff" (The Ship of Fools), which critiques the social vices and absurdities of his era. This work also provides a pointed commentary on the Catholic Church, positioning him as a precursor to the Protestant Reformation. His engagement with contemporary events included an initial optimism about Maximilian's election as emperor, which later turned to disappointment due to the emperor's perceived failures. Brant's life and writings illustrate the intellectual currents of the late medieval period, highlighting his role in both academia and civic leadership in Strasbourg.
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Sebastian Brant
- Born: 1457
- Birthplace: Strasbourg, Germany (now in France)
- Died: May 10, 1521
- Place of death: Strasbourg, Germany (now in France)
Biography
Sebastian Brant was born in Strasbourg, Germany (now in France). He attended the University of Basel, where he initially studied philosophy, but soon changed his focus to law, receiving a doctor of canon and civil law degree in 1489. He taught jurisprudence at the university for a time but returned to Strasbourg, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Brant authored poems in both Latin and German, which set forth his views on religion and politics. Like many of his time, he was enthusiastic about the election of Maximilian as emperor of the German empire but was soon disappointed in Maximilian’s inability to restore imperial power. Fleeing from Germany, Brant joined the Swiss confederacy. In 1501, Geiler von Kaiserberg, a famous preacher in Strasbourg who was familiar with Brant’s poems, recommended that he be appointed as city-syndic in Strasbourg. Brant accepted this position, became the town clerk two years later, and rose to local prominence.
Brant is most noted for his allegorical poem Das Narrenschiff, or the ship of fools, in which he satirized the vices and foibles of the times. His criticism of the Catholic church in this work was considered an effective preparation for the Protestant Reformation.