1805 Danzig
1852 Dresden

The poet and painter Robert R. Reinick was born on February 22, 1805, in Danzig, the son of a businessman. He received his elementary education in his hometown of Danzig. He attended the academy of art in Berlin in 1825. Two years later, Reinick studied under the painter Begas. Franz Kugler, Adelbert von Chamisso, and Joseph von Eichendorff supported him in his efforts to become a writer. In 1831, he continued his studies in Düsseldorf. Along with an old friend, Reinick published the "Liederbuch für deutsche Künstler" ("Song Book for German Artists") (Berlin 1833). "Lieder eines Malers mit Randzeichnung seiner Freunde" ("Songs by a Painter with Drawings in the Margins by his Friends") appeared in 1838. After traveling to Italy, he settled with his wife in Dresden permanently. The first edition of his "Lieder" ("Songs") appeared in 1844. His paintings include "Erzählender Pilger" ("Story-telling Pilgrim," 1846). During the last years of his life, he found a love of children's books. A collection of his poetry and writings entitled "Märchen-, Lieder- und Geschichtenbuch" ("Book of Fairy Tales, Songs, and Stories") appeared posthumously. Reinick died on February 7, 1852, in Dresden.