Clarissa von Ranke (1808–71,) born Clarissa Helena Graves, was an Irish poet, salon host, and intellectual known for her literary contributions and cultural influence in 19th-century Berlin.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, she was the daughter of John Crosbie Graves, a chief police magistrate, and Helena Perceval. Educated in England and Europe, she excelled in languages, literature, and music. After her father’s death, she traveled Europe with her mother, immersing herself in intellectual circles.
In 1843, she married German historian Leopold von Ranke and established Salon Ranke in Berlin, hosting scholars, diplomats, and artists. The salon fostered discussions on literature, history, politics, and cultural exchange, attracting figures such as August Wilhelm Schlegel, Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling, and the Brothers Grimm.
Fluent in ten languages and knowledgeable in twenty, von Ranke contributed to her husband’s historical research by securing English translators and assisting with comparative translations. Her poetry appeared in Thomas Solly’s Coronal of English Verse (1864) and Main’s Treasury of English Sonnets (1880,) showcasing her literary talent and intellectual depth.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Clarissa von Ranke
What a man sows, that shall he and his relations reap.
—Clarissa von Ranke
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