![GOETHE, Johann Wolfgang von (1749-1832). Autograph letter initialled (‘G’) to [Franz Kirms], Jena, 9 May 1802.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2018/CKS/2018_CKS_16019_0050_000(goethe_johann_wolfgang_von_autograph_letter_initialled_to_franz_kirms071610).jpg?w=1)
Details
GOETHE, Johann Wolfgang von (1749-1832). Autograph letter initialled (‘G’) to [Franz Kirms], Jena, 9 May 1802.
In German. One page, 237 x 191mm, bifolium.
Directing the Weimar Theatre: Goethe gives Franz Kirms detailed instructions on its day-to-day running. He notes that ‘the enclosed [not present] was sealed yesterday’, but that a more recent dispatch from Kirms necessitates his sending another missive, before launching into a list of comments: he has received signed paperwork for ‘Concept und Mundo’ [presumably a work to be staged]; is pleased that the dancing lessons are underway, as those who are taking part will recognise the benefit sooner or later; he approves of what Kirms has done for Zimmermann; and asks that he write promptly to Backer at Döbblin. ‘Let Mme [Friederike] Vohs do as she will. These foolish illusions cannot be driven out of the heads of women nowadays…’.
Goethe was Director of the Weimar Court Theatre from 1791 to 1817, ably aided in its administration by the civil servant Franz Kirms (1750-1826). The present letter dates from a golden age when the theatre was arguably at its pinnacle: the years of collaboration between Goethe and Schiller between 1798 and 1805.
Published in Briefe; 1800-1804, 16/4529.
In German. One page, 237 x 191mm, bifolium.
Directing the Weimar Theatre: Goethe gives Franz Kirms detailed instructions on its day-to-day running. He notes that ‘the enclosed [not present] was sealed yesterday’, but that a more recent dispatch from Kirms necessitates his sending another missive, before launching into a list of comments: he has received signed paperwork for ‘Concept und Mundo’ [presumably a work to be staged]; is pleased that the dancing lessons are underway, as those who are taking part will recognise the benefit sooner or later; he approves of what Kirms has done for Zimmermann; and asks that he write promptly to Backer at Döbblin. ‘Let Mme [Friederike] Vohs do as she will. These foolish illusions cannot be driven out of the heads of women nowadays…’.
Goethe was Director of the Weimar Court Theatre from 1791 to 1817, ably aided in its administration by the civil servant Franz Kirms (1750-1826). The present letter dates from a golden age when the theatre was arguably at its pinnacle: the years of collaboration between Goethe and Schiller between 1798 and 1805.
Published in Briefe; 1800-1804, 16/4529.
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