Thomas Schweicker

German artist and calligrapher

Thomas Schweicker

Self-portrait

Born| December 21, 1540

Schwäbisch Hall, Germany

Died| October 7, 1602
Occupation(s)| Artist, calligrapher

The Thomas Schweicker (December 21, 1540 - October 7, 1602) was a German artist and calligrapher. Despite being born without arms or hands, he became known for his skills as a painter and calligrapher, using his feet to create his art.

## Life[edit]

Schweicker was born on December 21, 1540, in Schwäbisch Hall, to Hans and Dorothea Schweicker. His father was a baker and a councilor, and later a judge. Schweicker was the sixth of eight children, and had four brothers and three sisters.

He was born without arms, presumably due to amniotic band syndrome.[citation needed] Nevertheless, he learned not only to master every day tasks like washing and dressing himself, but also to write, by using his feet.

At the age of seven, Schweicker started his schooling, and later attended the Schwäbisch Hall Latin school at the age of twelve.[1]

## Calligraphy and celebrity status[edit]

Schweicker had a talent for calligraphy, and soon became adept at creating elaborate documents. This, combined with his 'unusual' technique soon made him a celebrity. Many visitors came to Schwäbisch Hall to see him, watch him work, and buy a piece of his art. In 1570, he met both Kaiser Maximilian II and Prince-elector August of Saxony, and impressed them with his work. In 1584, Schweicker was invited to perform at court in Heidelberg, where he stayed until 1598, primarily working as a painter.[2]

## Death[edit]

Memorial plaque to Thomas Schweicker at St Michael's church, Schwäbisch Hall

Schweicker died in the early morning hours of October 7, 1602 following a brief illness. He was buried at St Michael's church in Schwäbisch Hall. He had self-prepared death certificate, crafted a decade earlier, along with a portrayal of him at work, continue to be exhibited there.[3]

## References[edit]

1. ^ Puschel, E. (1963-07-12). "[Adjustment to life with amelia, as exemplified in Thomas Schweicker 1540-1602]". Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift. 88: 1402–1404. doi:10.1055/s-0028-1112243. ISSN 0012-0472. PMID 13972590.
2. ^ "Artikelansicht : Forschungsstelle für Personalschriften". www.personalschriften.de. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
3. ^ McLachlan, Gordon (2004). The Rough Guide to Germany. Rough Guides. ISBN 978-1-84353-293-4.

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* Germany
* Poland

People|

* Deutsche Biographie

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