# Novalis

> German poet and writer (1772-1801)

**Wikidata**: [Q60684](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60684)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novalis)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/novalis

## Summary
Novalis, born Georg Philipp Friedrich Freiherr von Hardenberg, was a German poet, writer, and philosopher (1772–1801) who played a central role in the Romantic movement. He is best known for his lyrical poetry, philosophical writings, and the unfinished novel *Heinrich von Ofterdingen*, which introduced the concept of the "blue flower" as a symbol of Romantic longing.

## Biography
- Born: May 2, 1772, in Oberwiederstedt, Holy Roman Empire
- Nationality: German
- Education: Studied at the University of Jena, Leipzig University, and the University of Wittenberg
- Known for: Pioneering German Romanticism through poetry, philosophical prose, and literary theory
- Employer(s): University of Wittenberg (studied); Freiberg University of Mining and Technology (studied engineering)
- Field(s): Poetry, philosophy, literary theory, engineering

## Contributions
Novalis made significant contributions to German literature and philosophy through his poetic and theoretical works:
- **Hymns to the Night** (*Hymnen an die Nacht*, 1800): A collection of prose poems that explored themes of death, love, and transcendence, establishing him as a key figure in Romantic literature.
- **Heinrich von Ofterdingen** (*Heinrich von Ofterdingen*, 1799): An unfinished novel that introduced the Romantic symbol of the "blue flower," representing the quest for the infinite.
- **Philosophical Writings**: Engaged with the ideas of Friedrich Schlegel and contributed to the development of Romantic philosophy, particularly through his fragmentary works and theoretical essays.
- **Literary Theory**: Influenced the Romantic movement through his critical and poetic works, shaping the intellectual discourse of early 19th-century German literature.

## FAQs
**What is Novalis known for?**  
Novalis is known for his contributions to German Romanticism, particularly through his lyrical poetry, philosophical prose, and the novel *Heinrich von Ofterdingen*. His work *Hymns to the Night* is considered a masterpiece of Romantic literature.

**Where did Novalis study?**  
Novalis studied at several institutions, including the University of Jena, Leipzig University, and the University of Wittenberg. He also attended the Freiberg University of Mining and Technology, where he pursued engineering.

**What are Novalis's most famous works?**  
Novalis's most famous works include *Hymns to the Night*, *Heinrich von Ofterdingen*, and his philosophical fragments. These works established him as a leading voice in German Romanticism.

**What was Novalis's impact on literature?**  
Novalis influenced the Romantic movement through his innovative use of symbolism, particularly the "blue flower" in *Heinrich von Ofterdingen*. His lyrical and philosophical writings inspired later poets and thinkers, shaping the development of German literature.

**Did Novalis publish any complete novels?**  
Novalis did not publish a complete novel during his lifetime. His most notable work, *Heinrich von Ofterdingen*, remained unfinished at the time of his death in 1801.

## Why They Matter
Novalis is a foundational figure in German Romanticism, whose works bridged poetry, philosophy, and literary theory. His concept of the "blue flower" became a defining symbol of Romantic longing, influencing generations of writers and thinkers. Without Novalis, the intellectual and artistic landscape of early 19th-century Germany would lack one of its most profound and enduring voices.

## Notable For
- Pioneering German Romanticism through poetry and philosophical prose
- Authoring *Hymns to the Night*, a seminal work in Romantic literature
- Writing *Heinrich von Ofterdingen*, which introduced the "blue flower" symbol
- Influencing Romantic philosophy through his theoretical writings
- Studying at the University of Jena, Leipzig University, and the University of Wittenberg
- Pursuing engineering at the Freiberg University of Mining and Technology
- Dying young in 1801, leaving behind a legacy of unfinished but influential works

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Georg Philipp Friedrich Freiherr von Hardenberg, later known as Novalis, was born on May 2, 1772, in Oberwiederstedt, Holy Roman Empire. He came from a noble family with strong intellectual ties. His early education included studies at the University of Jena, where he was exposed to the ideas of German Idealism and Romanticism. He later attended Leipzig University and the University of Wittenberg, where he pursued law and philosophy. During his time at Wittenberg, he also studied engineering at the Freiberg University of Mining and Technology, reflecting his interdisciplinary interests.

### Literary Career and Major Works
Novalis's literary career was marked by his contributions to German Romanticism. His most notable works include:
- **Hymns to the Night** (*Hymnen an die Nacht*, 1800): A collection of prose poems that explored themes of death, love, and transcendence. This work is considered one of the most important texts of the Romantic movement.
- **Heinrich von Ofterdingen** (*Heinrich von Ofterdingen*, 1799): An unfinished novel that introduced the Romantic symbol of the "blue flower," representing the quest for the infinite. This novel influenced later Romantic writers and remains a cornerstone of German literature.
- **Philosophical Fragments**: Novalis engaged with the ideas of Friedrich Schlegel and other Romantic thinkers, contributing to the development of Romantic philosophy through his fragmentary works and theoretical essays.

### Influence and Legacy
Novalis's influence on literature and philosophy was profound. His concept of the "blue flower" became a defining symbol of Romantic longing, inspiring generations of writers and thinkers. His works bridged poetry, philosophy, and literary theory, shaping the intellectual discourse of early 19th-century Germany. His legacy is commemorated through numerous scholarly studies and literary critiques, ensuring his place as a foundational figure in German Romanticism.

### Personal Life and Death
Novalis died on March 25, 1801, at the age of 28. His early death cut short a promising career, but his posthumous influence on literature and philosophy has been immense. His works were published and celebrated by his contemporaries, including Friedrich Schlegel and Ludwig Tieck, who recognized his contributions to the Romantic movement.

### Structured Properties and Identifiers
Novalis's identity is well-documented through various structured properties and identifiers. His full name is Georg Philipp Friedrich Freiherr von Hardenberg. He is associated with numerous library and database identifiers, including the Library of Congress Authority ID (n78096916), the GND ID (118588893), and the VIAF ID (0000000121441284). His work is cataloged in various international databases, reflecting his global impact and the extensive scholarly attention he has received. His image, "Novalis-1.jpg," and his signature, "Novalis Signature.png," are preserved as part of his historical record.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. Concise Literary Encyclopedia
3. Integrated Authority File
4. The Fine Art Archive
5. Library of the World's Best Literature
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11. MusicBrainz
12. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-16171)
13. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-1147)
14. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-9624)
15. SNAC
16. International Music Score Library Project
17. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
18. [Brockhaus Enzyklopädie](https://brockhaus.de/ecs/julex/article/novalis)
19. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
20. GeneaStar
21. Roglo
22. Internet Philosophy Ontology project
23. Babelio
24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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26. [Source](https://www.die-tagespost.de/kultur/novalis-aufruf-zur-kulturellen-erneuerung-art-216974)
27. [Source](https://www.tagblatt.ch/kultur/literatur-und-oper-liebten-tuberkulose-als-motiv-der-handlung-ld.1150760)
28. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index12.html)
29. CONOR.SI
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32. Carnegie Hall linked open data
33. Enciclopedia Treccani
34. LIBRIS. 2018
35. [Die Gedichte von Friedrich von Hardenberg genannt Novalis](https://www.stedelijk.nl/nl/collectie/86367-jean-francois-van-royen-die-gedichte-von-friedrich-von-hardenberg-genannt-novalis)
36. LibraryThing