Johan Herman Wessel
Source: Wikipedia: Johan Herman Wessel
Literature & Poetry • Historical Archive • 🇳🇴 Norway • 1 views

Johan Herman Wessel 🇳🇴

Johan Herman Wessel (Known as "Wessel")
Satirical Poet, Dramatist, Wit, Author of Kierlighed uden Strømper
Born 1742-10-06 🇳🇴 Vestby, Norway
Passed Away 1785-12-29 Copenhagen, Denmark
Lifespan 43 years old
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Notice / Correction
"He ate and drank, was never glad, his shoes were worn, his stockings bad; and now he rests, in peace at last."

Archival Overview

Immortal Norwegian satirical poet and dramatist who became the witty centerpiece of The Norwegian Society in Copenhagen and penned the classic parody Kierlighed uden Strømper.

Biographical Record

Johan Herman Wessel was born on October 6, 1742, in Vestby, Akershus, the nephew of naval hero Peter Tordenskjold. Enrolling at the University of Copenhagen in 1761, he lived a bohemian literary life centered around Madam Juel's coffee house.

In 1772, Wessel became the undisputed wit and master of epigrams at the newly founded Norske Selskab (The Norwegian Society). That same year, he published his satirical tragedy Kierlighed uden Strømper (Love without Stockings), a hilarious parody of French neoclassical drama that remains a cornerstone of Scandinavian theatrical humor. His witty verse tales, such as 'Smeden og Bageren' (The Smith and the Baker), gave rise to enduring Scandinavian idioms.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial
Trinitatis Church Cemetery
Copenhagen, Denmark
GPS: 55.6814, 12.5756
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