[Born at Leipzig, 1772. Still living.]
This distinguished scholar evinced, at a very early age, a taste for
classical literature, but was compelled by his father to study law at
Jena. Returning to his native city, he resolved to abandon the career of
jurisprudence for that of literature. In 1798, he became Professor of
philosophy. The foundation of his reputation was his fine work on Greek
metres, well known to English students. He translated “The Clouds” of
Aristophanes, and some tragedies of Euripides and Sophocles. His
academic dissertations are numerous, and his Latin poems are admirable
specimens of antique composition. Hermann has rendered invaluable
service to the cause of letters. Goethe said of him, that he was “a true
Sçavant, for he knew how to renew the old and to revive the dead.” Dr.
Parr placed him at the head of the great contemporary critics.
[By Ernst Rietschel. Marble. 1846. Executed for the University of
Leipzig, and placed in the hall there.]