the life and works of sascha schneider - ETD - Louisiana State ...

unabashed characteristic would, however, cause him many problems. Gender norms
were based on procreation purposes in a monogamous relationship; these social
constructs were intended not only to ensure a boost in population but also part of a moral
purity movement based on the writings of psychologist Richard von Krafft-Ebing. 1
Because of these writings, everything that was not hetero-monogamous was considered
immoral, illicit, perverse, unhealthy, and therefore tended to be illegal. 2
Chapter One outlines Schneider’s troubled early life and transition from his home
in Russia to establishing himself in Germany. After his move to Germany he enrolled in
an art school in Dresden, and it is there that he honed his artistic skills. Later in Leipzig
he met fellow artists Richard Müller, Hans Unger, and Max Klinger (strong bonds that
lasted a lifetime). Klinger proved to be an important person in the growth and
development of Schneider’s art, especially his establishment as a Symbolist. Symbolism
was a burgeoning German art movement, and Schneider’s style of art fit in the context of
the movement. In 1894, he presented an independent show that presented his dark
visions to the public. It is through this popularity and the overall success of his
independent show that he met the writer Karl May.
The relationship between Karl May and Sascha Schneider is presented in Chapter
Two. A short background on May is given, as well as a note on his mischievous past.
Further information is given about the social climate of Germany at the fin-de-siècle, and
how this period led to May’s success. May managed to create a German superhero, and
place this superhero in far-away locals at a time of German expansion. Schneider and
1
In regards to artists in particular, Krafft-Ebing states that, “They (homosexuals)
often pursued “artistic” interests; and they were prone to periodic insanity.”
2
John C. Fout, “Sexual Politics in Wilhelmine Germany: The Male Crisis, Moral
Purity, and Homophobia.” in Journal of the History of Sexuality, vol. 2, no. 3, (Jan 1992),
388-421.
3