The Early Writings of Francois Hemsterhuis, 1762-1773

This critical edition publishes Hemsterhuis’ ''Letter on an Antique Gemstone'', ''Letter on Sculpture'', ''Letter on Desires'', ''Letter on Man and his Relations'' and ''Philosophical Description of the Character of the Late Mr. F. Fagel'' chronologically to gradually reveal Hemsterhuis’ complete systematic vision. These letters are supplemented by three introductions. The first by Peter Sonderen pinpoints the significance of Hemsterhuis’ remarkably influential aesthetics. The second by Jacob van Sluis provides the context to ''Letter on Man and his Relations''. And the third by Gabriel Trop focuses on the importance of these writings in the history of ideas, especially Herder’s translation and ‘Postscript’ to the ''Letter on Desires'', Diderot’s commentary on the ''Letter on Man and his Relations'' and Goethe’s incorporation of Hemsterhuis’ definition of beauty into his aesthetic reflections.