August Kopisch

In 1815 he began studying painting at the Prague academy, but an injury to his hand damaged his prospects of success as an artist, and he turned to literature.

At Naples he became close friends with the poet August von Platen-Hallermünde; and when out swimming he and the painter Ernst Fries discovered the "Blue Grotto" of Capri.

In 1828 he settled at Berlin and was granted a pension by Frederick William IV of Prussia, who in 1838 conferred upon him the title of professor.

Kopisch produced some original poetry, light in language and in form.

He specialised in re-telling legends and popular subjects, and among his Gedichte (Berlin, 1836) are some naïve and humorous little ballads such as Die Historie von Noah, Die Heinzelmännchen zu Köln, Das grüne Tier and Der Schneiderjunge von Krippstedt, which became popular.