Celebrating Luxembourg's Female Authors
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Loading... - Alexis Elliot
- 24 Mar 2025
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When discussing Luxembourgish literature, names like Michel Rodange, Michel Lentz, and Edmond de la Fontaine often come to mind. However, the contributions of female authors in Luxembourg's literary scene are equally significant and deserve recognition. Here, we highlight three prominent female authors from the 20th century who have made lasting impacts on Luxembourg's cultural landscape.
1. Aline Mayrisch – de Saint Hubert
Born: August 22, 1874
Contributions: Aline Mayrisch was a pioneering figure in Luxembourg's literary and cultural circles. After marrying Emile Mayrisch, president of the steel producer ARBED, she became deeply involved in intellectual and artistic communities.
Mayrisch was a mediator between French and German cultures, famously introducing the German poet Rainer Maria Rilke to French readers through her influential writings. She hosted numerous German and French intellectuals in her home, fostering cultural exchange between the two nations.
Although her unfinished novel, Andrée Reimenkamp, is no longer extant, Mayrisch's literary contributions included translations of medieval works and various articles on art and literature. Beyond her writing, she was a strong advocate for women's rights, co-founding the Association pour les Intérêts de la Femme in 1906, which established the School for Young Girls in Luxembourg.
Mayrisch also served as president of the Red Cross and, after her death in 1947, bequeathed Colpach Castle to the association. Her legacy lives on through the Lycée Aline Mayrisch in Luxembourg City and several roads named in her honor.
2. Anise Koltz
Born: June 12, 1928
Contributions: Anise Koltz is regarded as one of Luxembourg's most esteemed contemporary poets. After dropping out of secondary school to marry doctor René Koltz, she initially focused on her family before pursuing a literary career.
In the 1950s, Koltz began writing children's tales in Luxembourgish, later transitioning to short stories in German and poetry in both German and French. Following the tragic death of her husband, she dedicated herself to writing exclusively in French.
Her collection of selected poems, Somnambule du Jour (Sleepwalker of the Day), published by Gallimard in 2016, showcases her talent and has been translated into several languages. Koltz co-founded the Journées Littéraires de Mondorf, an international literary festival, and is a co-founder of The European Academy of Poetry.
She has received numerous literary awards, including the Prix Servais and the Prix Apollinaire, and has maintained correspondence with notable authors like Hermann Hesse. Like Mayrisch, Koltz is also a translator and actively participates in charitable organizations.
3. Rosemarie Kieffer
Born: December 30, 1932
Contributions: Rosemarie Kieffer was a multifaceted author and educator. She studied French, Luxembourgish, and Philosophy in Luxembourg and at the Sorbonne in Paris, also learning Russian. After her studies, she taught French, Latin, and Philosophy in girls' secondary schools.
Kieffer was an advocate for women's rights and actively participated in various organizations, including the Conseil National des Femmes Luxembourgeoises. She served as the director of the Victor Hugo House in Vianden until her death in 1996.
Primarily writing in French, Kieffer is known for her short stories, novellas, and travelogues inspired by her extensive travels. In addition to her original works, she contributed articles to magazines and newspapers and published scholarly essays on the works of Aline Mayrisch and Anise Koltz.
The contributions of Aline Mayrisch, Anise Koltz, and Rosemarie Kieffer have significantly shaped Luxembourg's literary landscape. Their works not only reflect the rich cultural heritage of Luxembourg but also highlight the important role of women in literature and society. As we celebrate these authors, we recognize their lasting impact on both Luxembourgish literature and the broader cultural dialogue.
