Karl Harst

Karl Harst (1492–1563) was a sixteenth-century Alsatian diplomat of the Duchy of Cleves and humanist. He was acquainted with Erasmus and adopted Erasism, being his assistant and courier.

Biography In 1492, Harst was born in the (see Wissembourg), Holy Roman Empire. He was educated in Cologne, Orléans, and Leuven.

Between 1524 and 1526, he was Erasmus's assistant; he was sent to Italy, the Low Countries, and the Kingdom of England.

Since 1530, Harst was in service of the Duke of Cleves. He was representative in London during the marriage of Henry VIII of England and his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves in 1540 and remained there until 1544.