Adalbert Stifter Paintings

Adalbert Stifter was an Austrian writer, poet, painter, and educator, renowned for his contributions to literature as part of the Biedermeier movement. He was born on October 23, 1805, in Oberplan, Bohemia, which was then part of the Austrian Empire and is now in the Czech Republic. His upbringing was marked by the beauty of the Bohemian forest, a feature that would deeply influence his aesthetic sensibilities and the vivid descriptions of nature found in his work.

Stifter initially studied law at the University of Vienna but eventually turned away from a career in law to embrace his passion for art and writing. He supported himself through teaching, which also provided him with insights into human nature that would permeate his literary works. As a painter, Stifter was recognized for his landscapes, reflecting his profound connection to nature.

Stifter's literary work is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and its focus on the everyday lives and moral development of its characters. His narratives often explore themes of quiet heroism, the value of simplicity, and the beauty found in the ordinary. Among his best-known works are the novel 'Der Nachsommer' (Indian Summer), which is considered a high point of the Biedermeier period, and the novella collection 'Bunte Steine' (Many-Colored Stones), which includes the story 'Granit' (Granite).

Tragedy struck in his later years, as Stifter struggled with mental illness and financial difficulties. His wife, Amalia Mohaupt, whom he married in 1837, suffered from poor health as well, adding to his personal burdens. Despite his struggles, he continued to write until his health declined further. Adalbert Stifter's life came to a tragic end on January 28, 1868, when he died from self-inflicted wounds after an unsuccessful suicide attempt. His death was a loss to the literary and artistic world, but his works have continued to be admired for their poetic representation of the natural world and the human condition.