Home > Europe > Germany > Berlin
Autograph letter signed ( Th. Fontane ) to Herr Doctor [Ernst Kossak], Berlin, 16 February 1864 (pen & ink on paper)
![Autograph letter signed ( Th. Fontane ) to Herr Doctor [Ernst Kossak], Berlin, 16 February 1864 (pen & ink on paper)](/p/690/autograph-letter-signed-th-fontane-25176526.jpg.webp "Autograph letter signed ( Th. Fontane ) to Herr Doctor [Ernst Kossak], Berlin, 16 February 1864 (pen & ink on paper)")
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
Autograph letter signed ( Th. Fontane ) to Herr Doctor [Ernst Kossak], Berlin, 16 February 1864 (pen & ink on paper)
5942356 Autograph letter signed ( Th. Fontane ) to Herr Doctor [Ernst Kossak], Berlin, 16 February 1864 (pen & ink on paper) by Fontane, Theodor (1819-98); Private Collection; (add.info.: I HAVE DONE WHAT I COULD. Fontane writes a word of thanks for a favourable notice [of the second volume of his Wanderungen] in the Berliner Montagspost, Aller Anerkennung thut wohl, thanking Kossak in particular for his fairness of tone, noting that Adolf Stahr had accused him of a certain servility. Regarding the Wanderungen, Fontane explains that he is writing it to promote an idea of conservatism that has become lost, especially in Berlin: Speziell unsrer guten Stadt Berlin ist die Vorstellung abhanden gekommen, dasz Beschrankung, Disciplin, das freimuthige Bekenntnisz des Nicht-wissens und viele andern kleinen Tugenden derart auch Tugenden sind. If he writes more of the aristocracy than of the bourgeoisie, he cannot help it: Ich kann nicht... die Geschichte, speziell die Geschichte unsrer Provinz auf den Kopf stellen. Wir haben -- man denke nun klein oder grosz von ihm -- doch immer einen Adel gehabt. Once the bourgeoisie of Berlin has developed future Fontanes will have an easier time of it. I have done what I could.); Photo © Christies Images
Media ID 25176526
© Christie's Images / Bridgeman Images
Autograph Correspondence Critic Criticism Critique Handwritten Journalist Note Page Personal Publishing Review Reviews Journalism
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> Ernst Hader
> Arts
> Literature
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Adolph Tidemand
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Theodor Fontane
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures an autograph letter signed by the renowned German author, Theodor Fontane. Dated 16 February 1864, the letter is addressed to Herr Doctor Ernst Kossak in Berlin. Written with pen and ink on delicate paper, this piece of literary history showcases Fontane's gratitude for a favorable review of his second volume of Wanderungen in the Berliner Montagspost. In his heartfelt words, Fontane expresses his appreciation for Kossak's fair critique and acknowledges accusations made against him by Adolf Stahr regarding servility. He goes on to explain that through his writing, he aims to revive a lost idea of conservatism in Berlin – one that values restraint, discipline, open admission of ignorance, and other virtues often overlooked. Fontane candidly admits that he naturally gravitates towards writing about aristocracy rather than bourgeoisie due to their historical significance in the region. However, he hopes that as the bourgeois class develops further in Berlin society, future writers will find it easier to explore diverse themes. The inscription "I have done what I could" at the end serves as a poignant reminder of Fontane's dedication and commitment to his craft. This rare glimpse into Fontane's personal correspondence offers us insight into not only his thoughts but also the cultural climate during this period.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
