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A look into cultural Europe: discover letters from Humboldt and Brun!
Experience a cultural evening in the Humboldt Library Berlin-Tegel: Insights into the letters of Caroline von Humboldt and Friederike Brun on October 1st. Admission free!
A look into cultural Europe: discover letters from Humboldt and Brun!
On October 1, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., the Humboldt Library in Berlin-Tegel invites you to a special event. This offers a fascinating insight into cultural Europe in the 19th century. The event will be moderated by Kerstin Gräfin von Schwerin, who will explain the background to the correspondence between two remarkable women of this era: Caroline von Humboldt and Friederike Brun. Both ladies were highly educated personalities who lived in cities such as Berlin, Copenhagen, Rome and Vienna.
Between 1810 and 1829 they wrote over a hundred letters, covering topics such as friendship and the political, social and artistic life of their time. These letters are a unique source for the cultural history of the 19th century. The organizers emphasize that the historical context, from the Napoleonic occupation to after the Congress of Vienna, is particularly highlighted in the selected passages. These letters are stored in several institutions, including the Royal Library and the Imperial Archives in Copenhagen and Tegel Castle.
Cultural significance of the letters
The letters of Caroline von Humboldt and Friederike Brun are not only of literary value, but also contain powerful depictions of the gender roles that fought in 19th century literature. Women were often portrayed as passive beings, dependent on male leadership. This is reflected in many literary works of this time, such as Jane Austen's “Pride and Prejudice” or Charlotte Brontë's “Jane Eyre”, both of which question social norms and illuminate different facets of female identity.
The event will offer participants the opportunity to explore these complex themes that were present not only in the literary context but also in real society. For many women of this time, exchanging letters was a form of resistance against the restricted gender roles that were often forced upon them.
Entry and information
Admission to the event is free. Anyone interested can find further information on the Reinickendorf City Library website www.stadtbibliothek-reinickendorf.de. The event promises not only a look into the past, but also stimulating discussions about the role of women in the 19th century and beyond.
For academic interests, Brigham Young University offers its platform ScholarsArchives Access to extensive research materials that underscore the study of historical contexts and gender representations. Analyzes of gender roles in literature can provide valuable insights into society at the time and thus expand understanding of the topics addressed in the letters.