Who was Gottfried Kinkel, and how did he know Jacob Burckhardt?

Gottfried Kinkel (1815–1882) was a German poet, journalist, and professor of art and cultural history who became a prominent figure in the Revolutions of 1848. Like the Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt, Kinkel originally studied theology before abandoning the profession.12

The two men were acquainted during a summer term Burckhardt spent at the University of Bonn. During this time, Burckhardt frequented a social circle that gathered at Kinkel’s home, where they bonded over their shared interests as fellow art historians.2

However, their relationship diverged significantly due to their differing political paths. While Burckhardt became increasingly disillusioned with political liberalism, Kinkel became a leader in the unsuccessful liberal revolution in Germany. By the time of the 1848–1849 uprisings, their friendship had cooled completely, and Burckhardt eventually distanced himself from his former German associates to focus on his academic work.2