Johann Timotheus Hermes, Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen, 6 vols. (Leipzig 1769–73).
One of the most popular and widely-read German novels in the 18th century, variously described as the “first genuinely German novel” and even as the “first German novel appropriate for women.”
Caroline writes to Julie von Studnitz in May 1779:
“Sophiens Reisen is my idea of one of the best novels one might wish for.”
(Title pages for 2nd ed. [1776], vols. 1, 3, and 6.)
Here and following: illustrations from Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen, 2nd ed. (1776).
This sprawling novel went through various editions and, because of its popularity, was also variously pirated. The author, Johann Timotheus Hermes, even corresponded with readers, later incorporating some of their suggestions or explaining in footnotes why he did not.
Illustrations from Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen, 2nd ed. (1776).
Illustrations were sometimes inconsistently chosen and rendered over the various editions.
Illustrations from Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen, 2nd ed. (1776).
Illustrations from Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen, 2nd ed. (1776).
Illustrations from Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen, 2nd ed. (1776).
Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen
Illustrations by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki for later editions (1778ff.).
(1) The Story of Preacher Gros: “Ah, my son! Let us lift up sacred hands, without anger and doubt.”
(2) “No matter!”
(3) “Please allow me to pray before you.”
(Chodowiecki illustrations not from the volumes themselves are from [not in order] Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museum; Museums./Signatur DChodowiecki WB 3.17; WB 3.26; DChodowiecki WB 3.23; AB 3.179; DChodowiecki-Kopie Z AB 3.13; Z AB 3.9; Z AB 3.11; Herzog August Bibliothek; Museums./Signatur Uh 4° 47 [145]; Uh 4° 47 [153].)
Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s illustrations to Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen.
(1) “Our embrace would probably not cause any disruption.”
(2) “If she lives, then I will accept her from the mighty hand of God.”
(3) “Is that your ‘Christianity’?”
Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s illustrations to Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen.
(1) “And we, the cruel ones, kept you away from the deathbed.”
(2) “Were I the judge here, I would judge as did Solomon between the two mothers.”
(3) “It is only your black vest that saves you today, you . . . “
Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s illustrations to Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen.
(1) “Is it possible, Herr Feind? Is it possible?.”
(2) “And thus does a little flower arise afresh from the bath of dew.”
(3) “I know that we were made for each other.”
Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s illustrations to Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen.
Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s illustrations to Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen.
Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s illustrations to Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen.
Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s illustrations to Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen, here rendered later as postcards.
Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s illustrations to Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen.
Illustration on the left: Sophie is kidnapped by a Russian general.
Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s illustrations to Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen.
Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s illustrations to Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen.
Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s illustrations to Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen.
Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki’s illustrations to Sophiens Reise von Memel nach Sachsen.