Jacob Burckhardt

Lore & Background

Burckhardt was born in Basel, the son of a Protestant clergyman, and initially studied theology with the intention of taking holy orders. Influenced by Wilhelm Martin Leberecht de Wette, he chose not to become a clergyman. He completed his degree in 1839 and studied history and art history at the University of Berlin, attending lectures by Leopold von Ranke. He also studied under art historian Franz Theodor Kugler at the University of Bonn, dedicating his first book to Kugler. Burckhardt taught at the University of Basel from 1843 to 1855, then at the Federal Polytechnic School, returning to Basel in 1858 as a professor until his retirement in 1893. He twice declined professorships at German universities, including Ranke's chair at Berlin in 1872.

Burckhardt's historical writings emphasized the importance of art, literature, and architecture in studying history, opposing Hegelianism, economism, and positivism. He made his first journey to Italy in 1838 and published his first important article that year. His 1855 work Der Cicerone became an indispensable guide to art in Italy. He is best known for his 1860 work The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy and his 1867 Geschichte der Renaissance in Italien. He may have been the first historian to use the term 'modernity' in an academic context, and he developed an ambivalent interpretation of modernity, praising cultural and religious freedom while worrying about alienation. He also delivered lectures on Greek civilization and on history from Antiquity to the Age of Revolution.

Reader's Guide

Burckhardt's significance lies in his foundational role in cultural history and art history. He demonstrated how a historical period should be treated in its entirety, considering not only painting, sculpture, and architecture but also social institutions of daily life. His interpretation of the Italian Renaissance as creating 'modern man' proved controversial but influential, with subsequent research often justifying his scholarly judgments. Burckhardt founded the historical study of the Renaissance alongside Georg Voigt, though Burckhardt dealt with all aspects of Renaissance society. He was cool to German nationalism and predicted a cataclysmic 20th century dominated by violent demagogues he called 'terrible simplifiers.' His legacy includes influencing Friedrich Nietzsche, who admired him and attended his lectures, and his student Heinrich Wölfflin, who succeeded him at Basel. A medal was commissioned in his honor in 1898.

Did You Know?

• Burckhardt twice declined professorships at German universities, including Leopold von Ranke's chair at the University of Berlin in 1872.
• He may have been the first historian to use the term 'modernity' in a clearly defined academic context.
• His prediction of a cataclysmic 20th century with violent demagogues he called 'terrible simplifiers' was amply fulfilled.
• Friedrich Nietzsche admired Burckhardt and attended some of his lectures at Basel.