Jenatsch, a «best seller»
Nobody popularized the figure of Jenatsch more than the writer Conrad Ferdinand Meyer from Zurich (1825‒1898) who published his novel about Jenatsch in 1876. It was be become his most successful book and to this day influences our views of Jenatsch.Photo: Cantonal library, Graubünden, KBG Bb 37
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While Meyer did rely on historical sources he also used artistic freedom in the writing of his book. He referred to Jenatsch as a «villain» whom he had given a personality, thus turning a controversial historical figure into a heroic freedom fighter.Photo: Rudolf Ganz-Bartenfeld. Swiss national museum, LM-100061.18
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In Meyer’s book Lucrezia, supposedly the daughter of Pompejus von Planta, himself murdered by Jenatsch, became the latter’s mistress. In the end it is she who kills her lover in utter desperation. In historical reality, Planta’s daughter was called Katharina and was neither Jenatsch’s mistress nor his murderess.Image: Raetian Museum
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