Gustave von Aschenbach
Gustave von Aschenbach, fictional character in Thomas Mannβs novel Death in Venice (1912). Aschenbach is a well-respected middle-aged German writer whose life is as disciplined and coldly intellectual as his writing. While on holiday in Venice he falls in love with Tadzio, a beautiful 14-year-old boy, and his obsession with the boy leads to his own deterioration and eventual death.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Gustave von Aschenbach
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
10 March 2025
Access Date:
November 14, 2026