Wacker von Wackenfels
Encyclopedia
Johannes Matthaeus Wacker von Wackenfels (1550–1619) was an active diplomat, scholar and author, with an avid interest in history and philosophy. A follower of Neostoicism
, he sought to resolve the doubts he still had about his conversion to Catholicism
", according to STUDIA RUDOLPHINA - Bulletin of the Research Center for Visual Arts and Culture in the Age of Rudolf II.
He was born in Konstanz
(Constance) and studied in Strasbourg
, Geneva
and Padua
. He wrote courtly poems and his manuscripts contain many philological and historical studies (examples:- "Dissertatio de nummo Ptolomaei" - which he also illustrated, presently held at the Öesterreichische Nationalbiliothek in Vienna
, various philosophical treatises and "De cruce et fruce veterum" - known only from correspondence).
Wacker was a friend of Johann Kepler who dedicated to him his "Strena seu nive sexangula" (1611).
He became the protégé of Johannes Crato von Krafftheim
and joined his circle of humanists in Breslau (Wrocław).
As a travel companion of Niklas of Rhediger's son he was on his peregrinatio academica.
His second wife was Katharina of Troilo, one of the most influential families in Breslau. His brother-in-law was capitular Nikolaus of Troilo.
Neostoicism
Neostoicism was a syncretic philosophical movement, joining Stoicism and Christianity.-Lipsius:Neostoicism was founded by Flemish humanist Justus Lipsius, who in 1584 presented its rules, expounded in his book De constantia , as a dialogue between Lipsius and his friend Charles de Langhe...
, he sought to resolve the doubts he still had about his conversion to Catholicism
Catholicism
Catholicism is a broad term for the body of the Catholic faith, its theologies and doctrines, its liturgical, ethical, spiritual, and behavioral characteristics, as well as a religious people as a whole....
", according to STUDIA RUDOLPHINA - Bulletin of the Research Center for Visual Arts and Culture in the Age of Rudolf II.
He was born in Konstanz
Konstanz
Konstanz is a university city with approximately 80,000 inhabitants located at the western end of Lake Constance in the south-west corner of Germany, bordering Switzerland. The city houses the University of Konstanz.-Location:...
(Constance) and studied in Strasbourg
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the capital and principal city of the Alsace region in eastern France and is the official seat of the European Parliament. Located close to the border with Germany, it is the capital of the Bas-Rhin département. The city and the region of Alsace are historically German-speaking,...
, Geneva
Geneva
Geneva In the national languages of Switzerland the city is known as Genf , Ginevra and Genevra is the second-most-populous city in Switzerland and is the most populous city of Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland...
and Padua
Padua
Padua is a city and comune in the Veneto, northern Italy. It is the capital of the province of Padua and the economic and communications hub of the area. Padua's population is 212,500 . The city is sometimes included, with Venice and Treviso, in the Padua-Treviso-Venice Metropolitan Area, having...
. He wrote courtly poems and his manuscripts contain many philological and historical studies (examples:- "Dissertatio de nummo Ptolomaei" - which he also illustrated, presently held at the Öesterreichische Nationalbiliothek in Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
, various philosophical treatises and "De cruce et fruce veterum" - known only from correspondence).
Wacker was a friend of Johann Kepler who dedicated to him his "Strena seu nive sexangula" (1611).
He became the protégé of Johannes Crato von Krafftheim
Johannes Crato von Krafftheim
Johannes Crato von Krafftheim was a German humanist and court physician to three Holy Roman emperors.- Origins and education :...
and joined his circle of humanists in Breslau (Wrocław).
As a travel companion of Niklas of Rhediger's son he was on his peregrinatio academica.
Timeline
- 1576 he returned to Breslau and became the confidant of bishop Andreas von Jerin.
- 1591 he became chancellor of the Silesian upper [Landeshauptmann|Oberlandeshauptmannschaft] (governor).
- 1592 he converted to the Catholic faith.
- 1594 he was knighted and promoted into the nobility.
- 1595 he becomes episcopal chancellor in Neisse, SilesiaSilesiaSilesia is a historical region of Central Europe located mostly in Poland, with smaller parts also in the Czech Republic, and Germany.Silesia is rich in mineral and natural resources, and includes several important industrial areas. Silesia's largest city and historical capital is Wrocław...
. He befriends Valens AcidaliusValens AcidaliusValens Acidalius, also known as Valtin Havekenthal was a German critic and poet writing in the Latin language....
.
- 1597 appointment as a royal court adviser.
Family
His daughter, Helen Mary, was a famous child prodigy who died at the age of eleven.His second wife was Katharina of Troilo, one of the most influential families in Breslau. His brother-in-law was capitular Nikolaus of Troilo.
External links
- http://www.udu.cas.cz/rudolphina/SR2004.pdfSTUDIA RUDOLPHINA discusses connection to Rudolf II, Holy Roman EmperorRudolf II, Holy Roman EmperorRudolf II was Holy Roman Emperor , King of Hungary and Croatia , King of Bohemia and Archduke of Austria...
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