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Friedrich Hebbel (1813–1863)
Hebbel, Friedrich (heb’bel). A German dramatist of the first rank; born in Wesselburen, Holstein, March 18, 1813; died at Vienna, Dec. 13, 1863. A poor but precocious peasant lad, his youthful poems brought him patrons, and education in philosophy and history at Heidelberg. In 1839 appeared his first tragedy, ‘Judith,’ and his recognition was instantaneous; a volume of short poems in 1842 widened his reputation. In 1844 the tragedy ‘Mary Magdalen’ appeared at Paris. He married a celebrated actress, settled in Vienna, and produced ‘Herod and Mariamne,’ ‘Agnes Bernauer,’ and others. In the Nibelungen trilogy and in ‘Demetrius’ he has produced what many consider his masterpieces.