Beneath these high and ancient trees lies a tribute. It is a tribute to Hamburg’s own Friedrich von Hagedorn. We are standing before the Hagedorn-Gedenkstein Stele. This memorial, nestled in the Eichenpark, honors a poet of the Rococo era.
Friedrich von Hagedorn lived from 1708 to 1754. He gifted us with songs, fables, and didactic poems. His work “Die Alster” is a cheerful ode to his hometown’s beautiful landscape.
Look closely at the Hagedorn-Gedenkstein Stele. See the large boulders that form its base. Observe the rectangular bronze plaque embedded in the stone. This plaque reveals the memorial’s purpose.
Carl Börner created this memorial in 1897. He captured Hagedorn relaxed on a bench surrounded by nature. The inscription reads “Hier dichtete Friedrich von Hagedorn”. This translates to “Here wrote Friedrich von Hagedorn.”
Börner masterfully connects the park setting to Hagedorn’s artistic life. The Hagedorn-Gedenkstein Stele invites park visitors to connect with the past. Imagine strolling here 250 years ago.
Carl Börner’s life was interesting. He was born in Silesia in 1828. He trained as an engineer. Later, he worked in a Berlin sculpture studio. Börner moved to Hamburg in the 1860s. He became a member of the Hamburg Artists’ Association of 1832. His friendship with sculptor Julius Lippert proved valuable. It led to Börner completing allegories for the Friedrich Schiller monument. Börner died in Hamburg in 1905.
The Hagedorn-Gedenkstein Stele stands as more than stone and bronze. It is a portal to another time. It is a reminder of Hamburg’s rich cultural heritage. It is a peaceful place. Take a moment to reflect on the words of Friedrich von Hagedorn. Consider the artistry of Carl Börner. Let the spirit of Hamburg inspire you.