Cultural travel through time: Letters from Humboldt and Brun as a window into the 19th century

Cultural travel through time: Letters from Humboldt and Brun as a window into the 19th century

On October 1, 2025 at 7:30 p.m., the Humboldt Library in Berlin-Tegel is hosting an exciting evening that will shed light on cultural exchange in 19th century Europe. Under the title “Insight into 19th Century Cultural Europe,” selected passages from the letters of two highly educated women, Caroline von Humboldt and Friederike Brun, are read. These letters were written between 1810 and 1829 and comprise over a hundred correspondences that provide a deep insight into the social, political and artistic realities of life during this era.

The event will be moderated by Kerstin Gräfin von Schwerin, who will introduce the participants to the background and context of the correspondence. Caroline von Humboldt and Friederike Brun lived in important cities such as Berlin, Copenhagen, Rome and Vienna, and their letters are not only personal documents, but also a unique source for the cultural history of the 19th century. They convey themes such as friendship and the social life of the time and reflect the tumultuous events from the Napoleonic occupation to the Congress of Vienna.

Entrance and venue

The event will take place in the Humboldt Library, Karolinenstr. 19, 13507 Berlin-Tegel, and admission is free. Further information is available on the Reinickendorf City Library website.

Cultural context and gender roles

Humboldt and Brun's letters are also a reflection of gender roles in the 19th century, where women were often portrayed in passive roles, dependent on the men of their time. In the literature of this era, such as “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen or “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë, gender roles were discussed and often questioned. While men were presented as strong and independent, women were often idealized, empathetic beings. This portrayal has shaped not only literature but also social norms.

A look at cultural norms shows that women have often been portrayed in literature as victims of male dominance. But there are also examples of authors who created strong female characters who fight against societal expectations, such as Jane Eyre itself. These dynamics provide interesting insights into the lives of Caroline von Humboldt and Friederike Brun, who lived as brilliant thinkers and trailblazers in a world dominated by men.

The October 1st event will not only showcase the correspondence of these two remarkable women, but will also make an important contribution to deepening the understanding of gender roles and their influence on 19th century culture. As [das Wissen](https://das-wissen.de/kunst-und-kultur/literatur/genderrolle-in-der-literatur-des-19- Jahrhundert) describes, such debates about gender roles are central to understanding society at the time.

In summary, the event at the Humboldt Library is a valuable opportunity to discover the rich culture of the 19th century and hear the voices of women who made significant contributions in its historical context.