Sebastian Hensel. Die Familie Mendelssohn, 1729-1847 nach Briefen und Tagebüchern

2nd edition (Berlin: B. Behr, 1880), 2 volumes.
With engravings of Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel
and Cécile Jeanrenaud Mendelssohn Collection: Mudd Library

Mendelssohn’s sister Fanny, an eminent musician in her own right, married the artist Wilhelm Hensel (1794–1861). Their son Sebastian Hensel (1830–1898) wrote an important book about the Mendelssohns, a family whose members achieved distinction in philosophy, finance, and mathematics as well as music. As one would expect from an author who belonged to the family, Sebastian Hensel usually sought to place his relatives in the best possible light. Nonetheless, the book contains much unique information and is a crucial source for Mendelssohn research.

Die Familie Mendelssohn is illustrated with engravings by Wilhelm Hensel. We have chosen to display the engravings of Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel and Felix’s wife Cécile Jeanrenaud Mendelssohn (1817–1853).