Lili Schönemann

Anna Elisabeth "Lili" Schönemann (23 June 1758 - 6 May 1817) was the daughter of a Frankfurt banker. In August 1778 she became engaged to, and then married, another banker, Bernhardt Friedrich von Türckheim, and her name became "Lilli" von Türckheim. Before that happened, however, between January and October 1775 she was engaged in an intense love affair with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, described in one source as his "first great love". Memories lingered: towards the end of his life, conversing with his young friend Johann Peter Eckermann, Goethe recalled that he had loved Lili profoundly and had never been so close to happiness as he was with her. She featured repeatedly in his written work, identified simply as "Lili" or, according to some sources, as "Lilli". In 1772 Lili's eldest brother was old enough to join the bank which opened the way for business expansion: the extravagantly fashionable salon was both a result of and a supportive element in the expansion. lasted from January till October 1775. Accordingly, the lovers were parted in October 1775. )

Aged 58, "Lilli" von Türckheim died at Krautergersheim on 6 May 1817.