Advanced search

Johann Wolfgang Goethe was born on 28 August 1749 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany as son of a lawyer. After growing up in a privileged upper middle class family, he studied law in Leipzig from 1765 to 1768, although he was more interested in literature. As he was seriously ill, he had to interrupt his studies, but finally graduated in Strassburg with a degree in law. In the following years, his novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther" (1774) became one of the first bestsellers, making him a key author in the "Sturm und Drang" (Storm and Stress) movement. In 1775, he settled down in Weimar, being the Duke's adviser and writing popular dramas such as "Egmont" or "Torquato Tasso". One of his life's important milestones was the Italian Journey from 1786 and 1788, where he discovered his interest in Greek and Roman classicism. After his return to Germany, he began the "Weimar Classicism" movement with his good friend Friedrich Schiller, concentrating on poems and dramas such as his best known work "Faust", which he published in two parts (1808/1832). Beside his literary work, he contributed many interesting theories to sciences, making him Germany's leading polymath in that period. On 22 March 1832, he died in Weimar, the town he had lived for more than fifty years.

Lorenzo da Ponte was born on 10 March 1749 in Ceneda, Republic of Venice [now Vittorio Veneto, Veneto, Italy]. He was a writer, known for xXx (2002), The Shawshank Redemption (1994) and Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949). He died on 17 August 1838 in New York City, New York, USA.

Comte de Mirabeau was born on 17 March 1749 in Le Bignon-Mirabeau, Loiret, France. Comte was a writer, known for Softly from Paris (1986). Comte was married to Émilie de Marignane. Comte died on 2 April 1791 in Paris, France.

Edward Jenner was born on 17 May 1749 in England. He died on 26 January 1823 in England.

Vittorio Alfieri was born on 16 January 1749 in Asti, Kingdom of Sardinia [now Piedmont, Italy]. Vittorio was a writer, known for Teatro de siempre (1966), Saul (1959) and Agamennone (1968). Vittorio died on 8 October 1803 in Florence, Kingdom of Etruria [now Tuscany, Italy].

Abbe Vogler was born on 15 June 1749 in Würtenberg, Germany. Abbe was a composer, known for Den blomstertid... (1940), Isolerad (2010) and Tonmålaren (1988). Abbe died on 6 May 1814 in Darmstadt, Germany.

Domenico Cimarosa was born on 17 December 1749 in Aversa, Kingdom of Naples [now Campania, Italy]. He was a composer and writer, known for Pocahontas: The Legend (1995), Il matrimonio segreto (1943) and Strangers in Good Company (1990). He died on 11 January 1801 in Venice, Veneto, Habsburg Monarchy [now Italy].